2-03: Troublesome Father and Son
（02-02 was already published this is number 03）
Holding his son for the first time, the man was delighted.
Lifting this small, frail, light yet oppressive feeling of life, he trembles.
When a man protects the child himself, he will surely be determined to raise a good child.
From when it was a baby, together with the wife, they took care of everything from start to finish.
Changing diapers with inexperienced hands, cradling at night while crying.
Unable to forget the appearance that grows day by day and the first time they say words.

However, the man is the central pillar that supports the family.

He does not only raise children.
Instead, for the sake of the family, he shoulders the burden of more work.
For that reason time with the family decreases and it becomes lonely but,
for the child to grow up honestly, the man is only able to do his best.

The pampered sc.r.a.ped one that clung to his mother
As a man I thought that was just fine. To be with and pampered by the mother is a good thing.
Then as the father it would be up to me to firmly teach many things.
Although busy with work, as a father I want to leave strong words with my son.
Even as a mama’s boy, I want him to walk on the correct path.

「Do unto others as you would have done unto you.」
「Don’t do violent things. No one likes to be hurt you know?」
「If there are people in trouble then help them.」
「Take care of your mother.」

Yes, I understand father.

Once my imouto was born, there was the fact that I became an older brother.
As the first born, I was trying to convey the respectable att.i.tude of an older brother.

「Because you are the older brother, protect them both」

「Weak power is okay.
But the heart will not be defeated. I will surely see that/show you」
「No matter what, you will be those twos ally.」
「Help your mother take care of those two..」
— Yes, I’ll do my best!

My child, within those few exchanges just nodded obediently, that is how it was.
That is why, the man was convinced that he had become a proper father.
It was ironic that the moment that he realized that was a misunderstanding was the moment he lost his son.

My child was suddenly gone, and the days of happiness were no longer found.
After thinking about his son for several days, he suddenly realized it.
Certainly, I had taught my son a lot of things. That was my intention.
But I wonder, have I ever really listened to the words of my son?
It’s a parent’s self-indulgence to treat obedience as a good thing, only forcing an ideal image upon them.
The fact that I didn’t know my son’s own favorite food… The man was appalled.
One he had lost his son he realized that he was a parent that knew nothing about his child.

「Even though you don’t know anything about that child!」

The words of his ex-wife only just now hit him, it was just as she said.
Without knowing anything about my child, my wife who lost hope of his survival could not forgive me.
He didn’t realize how much of a big impact that made on her.
At that time I rejected everything emotionally, even though it was necessary to take care of calmly.
The sin of taking away a son from his mother is what created the change of heart and in the end caused the divorce
Furthermore, as she gradually became unstable her attachment to her son grew.
In those days of ignorance, if he only felt the gradual loss of his children.
And finally once he had realized what was happening a hole that time could not fill was created between him and his family.

Such a pathetic, and useless father.
A useless father that would only bring up the same topic over and over again to the son who just came home.
What should I have done? Exactly what kind of expression should I have shown?
I didn’t know anything. I didn’t even try to know anything and I’m even trying to have the face of a father now.
Even with all of that, my current wife said.

「Then isn’t it fine to just start learning now? Let’s start listening from now on」

────────────────────────────────
「I personally think being simple and casual is good」
「No, no If it is going to be like that, then I think that aggressively pursuing is better」
「……………」

Father and stepmother are operating the console while waging a discussion.
While watching this from the front Shinichi dropped his line of sight to the bag at his feet.

「Kyu, kyukyu」

From the bag, the creature whose face pops out cries out looking perplexed.

「Shinichi, don’t move!」
「That’s right, just stay still!」
「Ah, okay…」

We are at a certain tailor located on the street corner.
Being forced into the fitting room, he became a dress up doll in every meaning of the phrase.
However, his clothes were not really changed, it was the clothes inside the mirror of the small fitting room that changed.
Going from casual to outdoor styles of clothing along with the latest fashion going through a large variety.

「…Whether it’s science or magic, the lines between the two are starting to blend」
「Kyu…Kyukyu」

Agreed, nodding without able to hold back laughter was just like her.
Seeing her master being played around with by others was a rare occurrence.
The fact that the other person was his father made it even weirder since she could not picture her master with a family.

「You…laughing and smiling all you want, I’ll remember this」

He says this while looking annoyed, however looking like a dress up doll gives his expression no impact.
It has been a week of holidays since being picked up by the new Nakamura house
The family had come with full force in order to pick out Shinichi’s new set of clothes.
After receiving them the – official – boy who does not go outside will be dragged outside.
The Nakamura couple had an idea. Or rather they were all fired up picking out his clothes.

The first store chosen was the first other world shop open to the general public.
Although there are some sample goods shown on lined up manikins through the shop window.
There were no commodities inside the store, just a few fitting rooms.
In this store, by operating the console, you get to choose all the clothes and accessories.
The image of the clothes will be projected onto the person who had chosen the clothes in the fitting room.
Figure, difference by height, this system has perfectly calculated and project onto the person.
Naturally, from the start, you are unable to see yourself wearing the clothes so there is no time taken to change clothes.
Even if there are no goods exhibition s.p.a.ces in the shop, you do not need to consider wastage because of trying those clothes.
The goods that you bought will be sent from a warehouse in the outskirts and with this, you are free to choose whether you wish to wait in the shop to receive your goods or receive it at home.
This is one form of application of the technology in the fantasy world for the new shop.
But fashionable or not, according to Rinko is unknown

「Shinichi, which is better?
From father’s viewpoint, I think this is good but….」

The variations Father had chosen are jean shirts and border cut mix.

“I think its okay to attack you like this.”

The ones Rinko chose were a Black jacket and a black V- cut.

“If you have any desires please speak up.
I will accompany you as long as you like, for I am paid the entire day!”
“You don’t need to worry about money. I will be paying.”
“Kyaahaa!”

For some reason, the couple puffed out their chests.
Both parents embraced Shinji and it felt kind of pleasant
But, with the wife’s words, one can see her husband’s expression becoming crestfallen.

“E…Eeehh….”

However, he is a guy who originally had no interest in fashion.
As a matter of fact, due to time slipping into the similar world 8 years ago, I am stumped when being asked for my opinion.
In order not to have any special wishes, in regards to the clothes chose for me, I have no comments.

“That one is a little exposed.”

However, not saying anything is also spoiling the mood, therefore bearing in mind that I do not wish to stand out, I spoke out.
If I were to say frankly, that V-cut is too deep. Therefore, it’s a little embarra.s.sing.

“Mu, i see. Well, Even if it is seen, there is no problems looking at your body, so I thought it was okay.”

I tensed up during her close inspection. Well, I felt that even if I was found out, it wouldn’t be a problem, if the person herself felt indifferent about it.
Shinichi who had feelings of guilt quickly withdrew with a strange look on his face

「That、If possible, I’m not really aiming to attack anything
Just normal is good. Ah, no, that…… I want to know what the current “normal” is.」
「…………」
「…………」
「Oh, no, that’s not what I mean!」

In an instant, I made the husband and wife’s faces harden and their way of speaking became hurried.
You don’t have to “think about it anything”. Just continue on with your “ignorant” ordinary lives.

「Y-you’re right, we need to start from here.」

「A, ah…… yes, let’s start-over from here.」

Those two are now showing obvious awkward smile.
As if I didn’t feel guilty enough, my conscience took control.
And once again the boy is discourage.

「Kyu……kyuu……」

This was indeed a dumfounded situation, she couldn’t help but be worried.
The Nakamura family finished buying the clothes, and made their way home.
Shinichi is currently wearing the clothes which his father had for the, 8 years later, him.
The clothes he is wear is baggy and oversized. They were purchased for the adult him and not the him who had only aged 2 years.
Rinko had selected it, it is based on the present day fashion.
Although, after the exchanged the clothes fashion hasn’t changed much.
The familiar clothes helps ease his feeling of uneasiness about this new world.

「…………」

If this were anywhere else he would still have suspicion.
Nevertheless, I walk exactly one step behind Rinko and everyone. I observe our surrounding, and antic.i.p.ate potential ambushes.

「Shinichi, is there something wrong?」
「e, ah, eh…… there doesn’t seem to be any problems, I think.」

I try to give a response that would a.s.sure her.
As best as I could, I gave a reply that didn’t seem suspicious.
The downtown area they visited is slightly far away from the place Shinichi used to live at.
Although, this place is still the location they used to shop at.
It seems that is the case.

「She is quite fashionable. In the beginning of the parallel world boom, the number of traditional shop decreased.」

At first the shop here weren’t how they are now.
The commodities we received for the cultural exchange had to be altered to suit us before it could be useful.
The town he know from 2 years ago can no longer he found.

「……… I see. Is it really all that different from 8 years ago?」

And thus the things and places he knew of 8 years has all but leave him behind.
The amount of time that has pa.s.sed for Shinichi is definitely that of 8 years.
And during that time lag the exchange with the other world has had a great influence on the world he had returned to.
The materials are different. As he looks at the walls of the building he can’t help but feel unease.

「Are you feeling left behind Shinichi?」
「Eh, ah, such things I…….」

「There is no need to hold back. Father also felt the same way, surely you are lonely, I am certain.」

As n.o.buhiko sees the face of his son who is gazing at the town, he can’t help but meddle.
Without being too inconsiderate he tries to change the mood.
Shinichi felt that he had to return his father’s thoughtfulness.

「Am I sad? perhaps. Either way……… I am, still the one who is left behind.」

It was difficult to properly express my feeling maturely.
Who can say it? For someone who only think us themselves.
Especially to a father who was happy with his return.

“Now that I have returned, I’m unsure of how I feel.”

And.
I feel as if I have gotten lost in another world at another time, in a different place.
If this is true than I can’t help but feel sad and lost.
He tries to change his expression as to deceive himself.

「It is so…….」
「It will be alright, you just need to keep moving. Right, n.o.buhiko, Shinichi.」
「Ah, ahah.」
「Yeah, your right.」

The similar figure of the two, father and son, can be seen with their head slightly downcasted.
A sense of duty had awaken inside her. I must support them, Rinko thought to herself.

「Well, it is decided. Let’s first see where is path will take us!」

My first step will be getting familiar with this town.
As I proudly proclaim I forcibly take the hand of my step-son.

「Wait, a moment, Rinko-san!?」
「First do you want to know about the train station? Or would you like to know a good place for teenagers to hangout and eat?」
「Uh, well you see.」
「Leave it to me, I knew this place since before I got married!」

Afterward, Shinichi tries to convince her to stop, but she doesn’t respond to his cries.
n.o.buhiko give a wry smile, although, Shinichi is being forcibly dragged around.

「Haha, your mother is amazing right.」
「Umm?」

The baby in my arms, makes a dumbfounded face, as if it isn’t aware of what is happening.
It is a pleasant scene, seeing a father following his wife, who is leading the son along.

「……somehow this feels nostalgic.」

This bossy Rinko is attractive, the man thought to himself.
I exchange glances with the person in my bag.

「Kyu?」

With a low voice he shake his head. “Leave him alone” said.
While acting as he was looking around he was looking at street, looking for anything different.
To say he didn’t feel anything would be a lie but what he though was different.
He managed to grasp the location of the people that were following (……..) them.

…. Altogether there was around 15 people.

He understood his unique position.
The child who went missing 8 years ago came back after 2 years. That by itself is mystery.
Even with the global search plan couldn’t find him, but he returned last month.
Of course it is natural for one or two supervisors to be tasked with monitoring him.
At some point he became aware of those who monitor him but left them alone. as long as they don’t do anything excessive.
Rather it was problem for the people that plans to raise hand at him with his unique position.

It was unpleasant, but Rinko who wasn’t his blood relative was trying to protect (…….) him
He didn’t want to hurt her feelings by ruining her hard work.
Yes, he knew that Rinko was the one who ordered surveillance on him.
She would want to use it to protect herself.
Because in that place no one noticed the white mask that was there.

Afterwards.
Until the sun had set they wandered around the town.
On occasions before reaching the Station we took several opportunities to window shop at various stores along the way.
There was the steak restaurant Rinko had rated highly. A store clerk was shouting out recommendations, a good an all-you-can-eat restaurant for a family dinner.
After they had finished their shopping, they returned home in the afternoon.

「Ah, Shinichi-kun did you open the door with your key?」

I held a bag in one hand and Shinji in the other.
The hand that held the bag was the same hand Rinko had entrusted the key to.
n.o.buhiko was in the middle of putting the car into the garage, when I was in the process of opening the door.
I rejected his counsel, because I was holding luggage.
The key that he received, is a cylinder lock type, it can display an image of this street.
The tip is still the same, but the k.n.o.b on the end has a finger recognition device.
Without a registered fingerprint the door won’t unlock.
Currently, in j.a.pan this “type of key used at my home” is popular it seems.

「That, errr, was I not supposed to open it? 」

There wasn’t the typical feeling of a lock being opened, the key activated because of my fingerprint being registered.

「Ah, sorry.
To prevent crimes, the security system found it necessary to alert the homeowner.
The front door also needs voice recognition, please say something.」
「Eh, is…… anything fine?」
「What does one say, when they return home?」

I am told by the person with twinkling eyes and a pleasant grin on their face.
The wry simile seems to imply “that was well done”.

「………I’m, home.」

Although I was a little embarra.s.sed, the key shines and the door opens.
As is if it was proclaiming, this is Shinichi’s house.

「Yes, welcome home!」

Rinko pushes him from behind.
Words could not begin to describe the grat.i.tude I felt, when I had pa.s.s through the door.

「！？」
「I’ll go put the luggage away and go to the washroom and gargle…… what’s wrong?」
「I’m ho-…… is there something wrong Shinichi?」

n.o.buhiko who had just entered was also curious.
The married couple across from him, looked at Shinichi’s mysterious expression.

「……it’s nothing!
Wait a moment, various things have happen it has been a while since I felt this tired.」

They gloss over his unusual manner and lightly laughed.
The couple merely glanced at another and they both slightly nod.

「In that case please take a bath fist.
Dinner should be finish soon, tonight it is cream stew~.」
「Oh, that’s good. This fellow’s stew is delicious.
Well then, it has been a long time since then. Should us fellow men wash one another’s backs?」
「Eh, no I will wash it on my own!?」
「Come on, come on!」

While saying so the father forcibly pushes his son into the bathroom.
The person who was inside my bag peeked out to see what all the commotion was about.

「Amaryllis-chan. Sorry, but can you check on Shinji?」

「Kyu………kyui!」

For a moment it seemed hesitant, it remembers the incident where it was swung around by its tail.
This time she approves, but only until the father and the son return.
She had determines that is was safe because that thing was asleep.

This bathroom and bathtub is considered to be the standard size for an ordinary family. The bathtub has enough s.p.a.ce to fit both the 15 year old boy and his adult father.
With the incorporation of technology from the other world it has become possible to heat hot water instantly.

「Ah, aaaah…… the hot water feels as if it came from a hot spring」

The two in the bathtub are sitting in a fetal position.
The hot water gently overflowing from the top of the tub, it gave off a very j.a.panese bathroom like atmosphere.
The boy had clumsy operated the ballast and didn’t realize that there was too much water until he noticed.

「Uh, yes…… it was, troublesome.」

It was my mistake.
I was too preoccupied with being naked and thinking about proper bathing etiquette.

「…………」
「…………」

There was silence.
The son is incapable of properly conveying anything, likewise, the father doesn’t know where to begin.
n.o.buhiko was enthusiastic about taking a bath together, but beside that he had no real plan.
I’m already here, what matter is the “present”, so that my resolve doesn’t become a waste.
There are many thing I want to hear, and there also many things I want to tell him.
First of all n.o.buhiko must dispel his doubts.

「Do you want to hear…… anything about me and Rinko?」
「What do you mean?」

Father and son who were aligned in the bathtub turn to face one another.
Although hazy from his memories, the face of the son who had slightly aged is still similar to the face the father remember.
Although similar his father’s face had a much rougher appearance than what he remembered.

「I understand, father also thinks it is awkward to talk about.
If I were in your situation, I also wouldn’t know what to say.」

After joining the Nakamura family, Shinichi didn’t ask anyone about anything.
The reason why his father divorced, his mother bizarre att.i.tude, and why his father remarried.
If I had encounter this scene, I would have a.s.sumed n.o.buhiko initiated the conversation.
In the worst case scenario, mother was abandoned and father ran away with another woman.
Father found it necessary to blame himself for everything that had happened.
However, Shinichi had accepted both Rinko and Shinji without needing to know the circ.u.mstances.
It is good to be relieved, but I must know his reason why. I shouldn’t repeat my past mistakes of relying on my son’s obedience and kindness.

「Is there is anything thing you want say, there is no need to be reserved.
Father is the only one here. I just want to listen, so──」

Regardless of emotions there are, I want to hear about it, and accept it, were fathers words..

「──father, it’s alright. I already somewhat understand.
Even so, sorry. It would be very awkward to hear about.」

Before I could say anything else, Shinichi apologized for not noticing..
I lightly laugh to play off my mixed feeling about the sudden dismissal.

「What is it you understand……」
「Since you have been so up front about things, I can roughly understand.
From mother’s perspective, I was a wimpy little kid. There was no way that “me” could survive in the harsh environment of the other world.
Father was it because you couldn’t agree with her opinion, was that, the causes of your quarrels?」

I felt a stinging in my chest when my son jokingly recited his deductions.
The feeling was similar to how I felt 8 years ago in the presences of my children.
My son was spirited away to another world, those days were hectic. And the days kept pa.s.sing by with no traces to be found.
The quarrels with my wife continued, for more or less than half a year, and thus it caused a fatal riff. The relationship between the couple had worsen to the point that even if the son was there it could not be repaired.

「……… I’m not prepared to hear it.
Give me a moment……… to settle down.」
「Uh, sorry. I was rushing things.
It is just that I honestly……… want to know, your true feelings.
It isn’t your fault, I as father, still have much to learn.」

Why was I so impatient? I sigh, at the thought of my impatience.
We had been separated for 8 years, and only came to know each other for less than ten days. It is still too soon to accept the bitterness and resentment of those who were left behind.
Shinichi similes, and he lets his head relax into the water.

「You worry too much.
Father it’s not as if you have to get me to understand the complexity of the situation, correct?」
「……… father you were only half at fault, right?
You couldn’t find me. And you were unable to protect your home.
You weren’t able to convince mother…… there was nothing you could do……」

As he mentions everything, my guilty conscience awakens, and my expression darkens.
This could hardly be called a proper talk, for that is a fact. More so, things such as not knowing the condition of my child who was spirited away. In addition, not so long age the publicly announced of another world.
Furthermore people continued to find their missing people but my child alone could not be found.
Is it strange for me to become emotional, shouldn’t it be normal for a parent.
After the cultural exchange with the civilization from another world, our everyday life had changed. As a result, all we could do to cope was to stay calm and mutually try to communicate with one another.

「Did I…… do it properly?」
「Eh?」

Of what was said, n.o.buhiko did not hear about the things he wanted to know.
Understanding that, Shinichi was calm about fathers “marriage”.

「Rinko-san saw my face and immediately recognized it was Shinichi (me)
Could it be that father showed various things and spoke about me often?」

Photographs, pictures, thoughts, and feelings for his son.
How could I possible hate a person, who accepts everything.
If it is my beloved husband’s important son then they are family to me as well
As a person and a woman, she who has chosen n.o.buhiko whom she loves, would say the same..

「Um, therefore.
I have learned various things, and for that…… I am grateful.」

It is proof in itself that I have continue to think about him for these past 8 years.
What had had been 2 years for Shinichi, had been four times longer for the family.
He gives his thanks and regards, the boy had properly conveyed his feeling to his father.

「Shinichi……」

He reply with “I’m happy”, and nothing more is said.
With this, I don’t know what he is satisfied with.
The words n.o.buhiko hears from his son makes his eye’s teary.

「Although it isn’t what I wanted to hear……… tell me one thing at less.」
「Shinichi?」

I try to ask in a soft and gently tone of voice.
However, a cold sweat drips down my face, I slyly laugh although my lips barely move.
I slightly pause and then grin, before asking my (teasing) question.

「How were you able to seduce, such a good, young and beautiful woman?」
「Ta, taboo!? Don’t say such an reputation ruining thing!!」

n.o.buhiko becomes fl.u.s.tered by the unexpected comment from his son. This is the first time he has seen the son’s with such a mischief simile.
As for the remarriage, although it was possible it was forced it being a [scam] was out of the question..
Although I reflexively shout, there was no change in Shinichi’s expression.
As if I never heard my father’s outcry, I continued to grin like a little rascal.

「Now confess, depending on your explanation (method) I may lighten your punishment.」
「You are going to discipline me!?」

What is with this farce of a trial? I complained to my son and as expected my son had a comeback ready.

「d.a.m.n right you s.h.i.tty father! How many years younger is your partner!? When I heard from Rinko-san that she was 28 it was extremely shocking! You’re 43 right now!!」
「Th- that’s………」

This person is also troubled by the difference in age.
There is a 15 years gap. Even if you it rounded up it is still more than his son (Shinichi’s) current age.
Although, it may not be rare for a marriage in this generation to have an age gap of 10 years or more. If you think about it from Shinichi’s perspective, who recorded age is 21, it wouldn’t be unusual at all. This man married a woman, whose age is more than 7 years older than this son’s recorded age.
After my son had gone missing, when I meet her she was still only 20 then.
This is guiltiness (guilt) I guess.

「Umm, father you think I have the right to hear about that criminal ability (beginning romance)?」
「I think you’ve used some very inappropriate words!?」

I firmly place my hands on my father’s shoulders, and press him to confess with a simile.
n.o.buhiko smiles wryly and says “your manner of laughter is similar to your mother, although your appearance takes after me”.
When I tease someone or corner them, I display a very good simile.

「Ah, um, don’t misunderstand Rinko-san is not unhappy or anything.
Rather I think I did well in caring for her……… but you know……」

My father has a good impression of Rinko, there is no way I could reject her.
He thought that getting remarried was a good choice, it was better than being a lonely bachelor.
But even still, there were many points I couldn’t agree to.

「But to be frank. Father, I still can’t believe that you caught such a caring, dependable and good natured partner.」
「Y-you! This is what you really think!?
It may not seem like it, but in my former days I was quite popular!!」
「Eh……」

A mist the ruckus I spoke my true feelings unconsciously, they were returned with my son disbelief.
His eyes are reflecting doubt, and are colored with pity, in addition his face showed a hint of suspicion.
While being confronted by Shinichi, n.o.buhiko imagines a pitiful himself being scolded by his ex-wife.
Although it may have seemed malicious, it was not, he kept his dignity. But rather than a scenario where a wife scolds her husband, it was more so like a chat between teenagers.
However, she doesn’t give the impression of being popular among the opposite s.e.x..

「Well then how many boyfriends has Rinko-san had?」

I wonder what sort of number to expect? From the face that appears to want to say something.
Although for a moment he hesitates to say it, his father obediently confesses after all.

「She………… has been with 4 other people.」
「……that’s questionable.」

It is difficult to say she is unpopular, because in truth she has created one family and one with half a home.
However, I do not believe that the number is correct, to revise to the word desirable. I say at least twice that number.
Judging by the face n.o.buhiko made, I will say he never doubted the number.

「Then, who was………… your first love?」
「……… so it finally came to this.」

How many people have you dated?
Tell me about the time and place, “misunderstood but”, I forcibly corrected the trajectory.
The talk about my first love is not amusing. It is unrelated and is finished.
However the content of the story is probably awkward for Shinichi.
When I was 13 years old I was interested in love and the opposite s.e.x, but for him, he may have never gotten the chance.
He never mentioned a girl he was interested in.
It could be said that he is shy and that still hasn’t changed but that probably didn’t matter.
Furthermore, at the time, he was a crybaby and a coward, it wouldn’t have been strange for him to be left out. And from the perspective of a young girl, I wouldn’t know if he is attractive.
Even if I ask him about it, I doubt there is anything he has to say.

「First love…… first love, huh……」
「………eh, don’t tell me you……」

Surely you’re not inexperienced.
Thinking he had stepped on another landmine father trembled in fear thinking back on what happed over the last 2 years.
What sort of experiences had he gone through after going to Farandia?
I thought about the events I have gone through, and smiled.

「Now that think back to all that has happen it gives me a warm feeling inside? I had a difficult time communicating with people from the other world. We hardly understood one another, our languages were too different. I spend most of my time playing by myself.
Although the world was very Sparta like, when whatever happened, I always laughed happily.」

I remember in the other world there was a woman who picked me up off the road side, she saved me from dying a dog’s death.
This amazon like woman, taught me the Sparta way.
The face of the rowdy and beautiful, blond haired Sister, briefly flashes by and disappears.
It is dangerous to continue thinking about, as I am now.

「Although, the feeling was different, her forcefulness is similar to Rinko-san in some ways.」

I smile knowing that father and son share a common preference in women.
But the answer the father gives makes the son briefly show a bitter face.

「………… You can’t have her..」

The mood becomes serious, and Shinichi falls into a painful silence. The father’s face is shot with a water-pistol that he made by cuffing his hands together, from atop the surface of the water.

「Ahhh!?」
「Who’s getting stolen?!
Who do you think I am!?」
「Hey, there is no need to get angry, it was only a joke!」
「Don’t lie, you were serious weren’t you!? And you sure didn’t seem to be joking!?」

I who had intentionally let my true feelings slip, was unable to convince my father otherwise.
I restrain myself from worrying about it.

「…………N-no one wants to have their wife stolen from them, is what anyone would think you know?」
「Don’t think of your son as your rival!!」
「After all, you’re more attached to Rinko than you are with me.」

Father was secretly envious that I was proactively helping with the house ch.o.r.es.
Although, I was only doing them because I didn’t want to feel like a useless freeloader.

「Because you don’t know anything about the past me it’s easy it’s easy to connect,
If you don’t do something then it won’t calm down, if you’re a parent then sympathize!.」
「Uu, I didn’t know anything about you, I never took notice of you. I’m such a useless father…」
「Ahhh d.a.m.nit, this type of father is a pain!!」

Shinichi who feels as if he was the parent, is amazed at such an att.i.tude.
I mean because this was a non-stop conversation with father that other things started popping up in my head.
Although it was the long antic.i.p.ated frivolous conversation of a parent and child.
I couldn’t help but fill my thoughts with useless questions.

Is the “me” that returned really the son who father was waiting for?

The more I speak with father, the more we understand about each other.
The Shinichi who returned is already different from the Shinichi Nakamura of the past.
I just couldn’t get this feeling of anxiety out of my head.
──────────────────────────────
At midnight when even plants slept. There were already no lights coming from inside the Nakamura house and everyone was asleep.
Rinko and n.o.buhiko were dreaming and there was no sign of crying from Shinji. Nakamura House located in a quiet residential area surrounded by silence, all the residents are sleeping.
Except unnoticed on a roof, a shadow lay hidden.

『I thought this would happen someday, but you’re being a little hasty』

I fiddle with the gadget in my hand. Someone had been watching us.
There is a mystery person behind all of this. If I had to say, I don’t think they have anything to do with the incident 8 years ago.
Based on my experience I ask myself: what is their “purpose”, who is the “mastermind”? Regardless, I need to teach them a lesson.
After all, he’s a pro with his hand.

He was a pro although he didn’t want to become one.
All the evidences points to the person being an intruder. I need to devise a plan so that this person never tries this again.
I who learned the ways of a saboteur will show them how it is done.

When we’d returned home, I realized that something felt off inside the house.

『…………although, I don’t think of this as my home yet……』

I think back to all that had happened this past week.
He, who had been taken in by the Nakamura family while puzzled, had started living here.

In order to restore their lost time, he and his father have been trying to reach out to one another.

The stepmother would always smile, and developed a strong loving feeling.

Does the elder brother understand, why the younger half-brother is so attached to him?

Even if neither the impact nor turmoil continue after returning had yet to wear off.
They strongly understand as they warmly embrace themselves.
Those feelings are sullied, even if you were to say it was interference in their peaceful lives.

『Just a little, I will let this masked a.s.sa.s.sin (Masquerade), have a taste of fear. 』

Murmuring to no one, I crush several devices – wiretaps and miniature cameras – wholeheartedly.
They were in the boy’s room, the living room, the toilet, even in the couple’s bedroom.
There is no longer any reason to forgive them. It will obviously escalate if I leave it be.
Then I will have to thoroughly teach the person who planted these.

Was there someone I made an enemy of?
I smile slightly as I wait for the spotlight to reveal the wirepuller and
the white mask slipped into the darkness and vanished───