"Hmmm?" Yumiko hesitated slightly as she brought some food to her mouth.
After hearing them mention her eye color, something crossed my mind—especially after meeting Yumiko's parents. Neither of them has eyes that would normally result in their daughter's jade-green ones.
Yumiko is considered a beautiful girl, and among her many traits, her jade-green eyes stand out the most.
If you're curious, all you have to do is ask. Besides, I'm already in the hole—I doubt things can get much worse.
"Yumiko's eyes are hereditary, right?"
"As expected of you, Rai-kun—you noticed," Emiko-san said, giving me a warm look. "According to my mother, her grandmother had green eyes."
I see. So on Emiko-san's side of the family, that gene was already present. Still, from what I vaguely remember, that alone shouldn't be enough.
"My father had dark green eyes, so the recessive gene was already there as well," Takeshi-san added.
"How does that work?" Yumiko asked, clearly not following her father's explanation.
"Didn't they explain that at school?"
"Maybe I forgot…"
Takeshi-san let out a slightly dejected sigh.
As a doctor, having a daughter about to take her high school entrance exams who doesn't know this kind of thing must be discouraging.
Yumiko glanced at me from the corner of her eye, silently asking for help.
"I'd like you to explain it too. This topic wasn't explained very well at school."
I'm not a doctor, and I didn't pay close enough attention in those classes to remember exact percentages. I only know the basics—or rather, whatever I can still recall.
"Well, if you both want me to, I suppose I can explain," he said calmly, though the satisfaction in his voice was obvious.
Being a doctor, he has extensive knowledge of these matters, so being asked about it clearly put him in a good mood. Even Emiko-san looked at him with quiet pride.
"If both parents are heterozygous—that is, carriers of a recessive gene for green eyes—there is a 25% chance that the child will inherit two recessive genes and therefore have green eyes. However, in your case, both your mother and I have brown eyes, but we each carry the recessive gene for green eyes. Because of that, there is a 50% chance that you are a carrier of the recessive gene, and at the same time, a 25% chance that you would inherit green eyes," he explained clearly and concisely.
"I see…" Yumiko nodded.
Her expression made it painfully obvious she didn't really understand.
"What about your parents, Rai-kun? Do they share your eye color too?"
In case anyone's forgotten, I usually wear contact lenses at school—mostly to avoid unnecessary trouble like what happened back in elementary school. By now, though, it's simply become a habit.
Aside from my cousins, I haven't seen many other kids with the same eye color as mine. Whether I like it or not, it draws attention, and for someone like me—who just wants a calm, uneventful life—it's better to be cautious.
"I think it's similar to Yumiko's case. My aunt and cousins on my mother's side share the same red eye color. As for my father, he once told me a distant relative has the same eye color as I do. My sister, on the other hand, inherited my mother's black eyes."
My family is somewhat varied when it comes to eye color. Even if it sounds strange, here—or rather, in this world—it seems perfectly normal.
Don't try to apply too much logic to it. As far as I know, having red eyes without albinism is naturally impossible. In this world, though, things work differently.
The magic of living in the world of a novel, I suppose.
"In the case of your younger sister, the probability of black eyes was much higher. Even so, you still carry the recessive gene for that color. If your future wife also has it, there's a chance your child could inherit that eye color," Takeshi-san said after listening to my explanation.
When he acts as a professional, he's very different from when he acts like an overprotective father.
As for what he said, I'd never really thought about it—mostly because I don't plan on having children.
"I can't see Raiden getting a girlfriend," Yumiko said with a teasing smile.
"Thanks for the encouragement. In the same vein, I don't think there's a guy who could put up with you either."
Honestly, there are probably plenty of guys who'd be happy to date Yumiko. The problem is that she'd likely treat them more like pets than partners.
If you're too lenient with this girl, she'll only become more troublesome.
That much, I can guarantee.
"How rude!" She pretended to be offended. "I'm sure lots of guys would love to have me as their girlfriend, but I'm far too good for them," she added arrogantly.
"Yumi, don't be so arrogant," Emiko-san scolded her gently, though the pleased look on her face betrayed how happy she was to hear her daughter speak with such confidence.
"I'm just telling the truth. Don't you think so too?" Yumiko said, turning to her father.
"Yumiko is far too beautiful for boys. I don't think any of them are worthy of her," he replied, nodding in good spirits—then casting me a subtle glance.
…Was that a hint directed at me?
Don't worry—I don't think that's going to happen. Looking back on it, I did get a bit carried away during our earlier conversation.
"Don't exaggerate so much… at this rate I'll never get a boyfriend," Yumiko sighed.
For a father—at least until his daughter is mature and responsible—it's probably preferable that she doesn't have a boyfriend. Otherwise, she might lose focus or, out of immaturity, end up with a boy who's no good for her.
"Still, you'll always have Rai-kun available, won't you?"
I can't tell whether those words mean that, as a friend, I'd be there to support Yumiko—or if he meant something else entirely.
"Raiden is Raiden. Besides, I don't think I could ever see him as anything other than my friend." There was no hesitation in her voice.
…Was I just rejected before I even made a move?
It's not like I had any intention—or plan—of going out with Yumiko anyway. I've never seriously thought about something like that...
So, Takeshi-san, could you please stop looking at me with that smug smile?
It's like he's saying, "Yumiko rejected you!" and is about to burst out laughing.
Well, at least this should stop him from seeing me as a threat.
Still, hearing her say it so openly does sting my ego a little. Not because I'm desperate to date Yumiko—I know exactly how much trouble that would bring.
"Oh? Better luck next time, Rai-kun," Emiko-san said, giving me a sympathetic look.
Please don't look at me like that—you're going to make me cry…
Staying silent isn't an option, so it's time for a little revenge.
"I think the same way, actually. After all, we're good friends, right, Yumi?" I said, deliberately emphasizing the last word.
"Don't call me that…!"
"What's wrong with 'Yumi'?" I tilted my head, feigning innocence.
Yumiko averted her gaze.
"J-Just don't c-call me that…"
She's completely embarrassed—and strangely enough, she looks really cute like that.
It's one thing for her mother to call her by that nickname, but when I do it, she gets all flustered.
It's not the best defense, but if it works, why not use it?
Meanwhile, Emiko-san watches Yumiko squirm with an amused smile.
Seeing her like that gives me the confidence to keep teasing her—but before I can, I feel a heavy pressure bearing down on me. Slowly, I turn my head and realize exactly where that gaze is coming from.
What was once a mocking look aimed at me is now the complete opposite.
Yeah… it probably isn't pleasant to see a boy making your daughter blush.
…
Dinner ended without further incident. In short, I somehow managed to survive the wrath of Yumiko's father.
That's largely thanks to Emiko-san, who kept Takeshi-san from going too far.
And not wanting to tempt fate any further, it's about time for me to take my leave.
Once we finished eating and I helped carry the dishes to the sink, the conversation shifted to harmless topics—school, and which high school I planned to apply to. At that point, there really wasn't much left for me to do.
"I think it's about time for me to head home," I said, glancing at the clock on my phone.
It was already 9 p.m. A bit late—but still later than I had expected to stay.
Dinner and the conversation were fun, if we ignore certain moments, so I can't really complain.
"Time flies when you're having fun," Emiko-san said with a smile.
"That's true—it's gotten pretty late," Yumiko added, pulling out her phone to check the time.
The neighborhood where Yumiko's family lives is quiet, and the rest of the way home is calm as well. Still, I'm a minor.
"Would you like me to call your parents so they can come pick you up, Rai-kun?"
I shook my head. "That won't be necessary. I can take care of myself, but I appreciate the concern."
This isn't the first time I've gone out for a walk at night—and it won't be the last. I even do it sometimes in the early morning hours.
"Raiden will be fine," Yumiko said with a smile. "If anything, I'd be more worried about the person who tries to mess with him."
"I see… if that's the case." Emiko-san turned to her husband. "Dear, would you like to walk Rai-kun home?"
…Emiko-san, why did you just throw me straight into the lion's den?
"Of course," he replied in a perfectly neutral tone.
It feels like Emiko-san wants her husband and me to have a nice, cheerful conversation, but I'm pretty sure it won't be nice—or cheerful—at all.
"I don't think that's necessary…" I tried to refuse as politely as possible.
"It's already late. I'd feel bad if something happened to you, so I'll walk with you," Takeshi-san said, giving me a reassuring smile.
The way he says it makes it sound like whatever's going to happen will come directly from him…
With no real way to refuse, I had no choice but to accept his company.
After thanking Emiko-san for dinner, she told me I was welcome anytime. Yumiko, as always, didn't make a big deal out of it; friends visit each other all the time, she said. She also comes over to my place to chat and play with Rumi. Before I knew it, her presence had become completely natural.
Once we said goodbye to both of them, Takeshi-san and I stepped outside and started walking.
"It's a quiet night, isn't it?" I said, trying to break the ice.
"It is."
That was all he said, and silence settled between us.
Strangely enough, I wasn't as nervous as before. The aura he's giving off now isn't the same as when he found out I was his daughter's friend. Because of that, I stopped trying to force a conversation and just kept walking.
A few minutes later, we reached the vending machine where we had met a few hours earlier.
Takeshi-san inserted a couple of coins, and this time the machine dispensed the drinks without any trouble. Holding two cans of Max Coffee, he handed one to me.
With no reason to refuse his kindness, I accepted it.
We both opened our cans and took a sip. Something warm on a cold night—honestly, it's quite pleasant.
"Tsurumi-kun, I want to thank you."
"Huh?"
His words caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting him to thank me—had I even done anything to deserve it?
"You don't have to look so surprised," he said calmly.
"Well, I'd say I have good reason to be…"
Ever since I arrived at his house, he'd had plenty of reasons to eliminate me.
"Maybe I went a bit too far," he said, scratching the back of his head.
"Just a bit?"
"Just a bit!" he replied with a neutral expression, clearly telling me not to argue.
I nodded and took another sip of my drink.
"On a few occasions, Yumiko talked about you."
I never expected her to mention me when talking to her parents.
"What did she say about me?" I asked, a bit curious despite myself.
"Yumiko said she has a very arrogant friend—blunt, grumpy, and far too honest…"
If someone ever asks me about Yumiko, I guess it'll be my turn to be honest…
"…And that those are your best qualities."
"Excuse me?"
I couldn't help asking when I heard that last part.
"She said you're arrogant because you know your strengths and your limits; you lack tact with the people around you, but you never hesitate to lend Yumiko a hand when she needs it; you're grumpy because when she makes a mistake, you tell her so she won't repeat it; and you're very honest because you say what you think, even if it makes the other person uncomfortable."
That girl can act spoiled and proud, but she's far too observant.
"I think there are more negatives than positives."
"Do you?" He looked up at the sky. "Until a few months ago, I felt I was very distant from Yumiko. Part of that was my fault, so I decided to take more days off and spend time with my family."
Few parents—at least in Japan—would go to such lengths just to repair their relationship with their children.
"Little by little, I managed to grow closer to Yumiko. Even so, we couldn't make up for all the lost time overnight, but I wanted to make the effort. I want to be a good father to her."
I understand.
I'm not a father, so I can't say it for sure, but something similar happened some time ago with Rumi.
"That's why I felt a bit jealous when I saw my daughter describing her friend that way—someone she portrayed as flawed, yet she spoke with a smile on her face."
Honestly… I don't think I'm capable of that.
"I'm aware that you've helped Yumiko on many occasions, so I want to thank you." After saying that, he gave me a slight bow.
"There's no need. I didn't do anything important."
"You beat up five boys who tried to get violent with Yumiko."
"Technically, it was self-defense."
"Is that so?" He smiled faintly. "Yumiko told us you were incredible when you beat them up."
Considering what Yumiko is like—and knowing how eager she is to make up for lost time with her parents—I can easily imagine her recounting her day whenever she gets the chance to be with family.
"And you're okay with that?"
"When I first heard it, I had mixed feelings. But once I knew you took responsibility, there was no point in dwelling on it."
I could picture him going to the school himself and settling everything without hesitation.
"You're giving me way too much credit for that…"
"I don't." He nodded calmly. "As I said, I have good intuition when it comes to people, and I'm sure Yumiko inherited that."
The way he said it—so relaxed, so confident—made me feel foolish for worrying so much today.
All I could do was sigh inwardly.
"Takeshi-san, I..."
"There's no need to be so formal. You can call me whatever you like."
I had first met him as a calm adult I could talk to. Then, as Yumiko's overprotective father who looked ready to eliminate me. And now, here he was—an exemplary parent having a mature conversation with his daughter's friend.
Mentally, I'm already an adult. Still, whenever I talk to him, I feel like nothing more than an immature teenager.
So he won't mind if I act like one, right?
A faint smile formed on my lips.
"If that's the case, father-in-law..."
I stopped short when I noticed the can in Takeshi-san's hand being crushed.
"Did you say something, Tsurumi-kun? I didn't quite hear you," he said, his tone suddenly turning sinister.
Don't switch into overprotective-father mode out of nowhere.
I cleared my throat lightly.
"Takeshi-san." Respecting adults is usually the safer choice.
"That's better." The smile returned to his face.
Now I understand Yumiko a little better. She clearly inherited several traits from her parents—though I wish it had only been the good ones…
After finishing the can of Max Coffee, I tossed it into a nearby trash bin.
"Would you like me to tell you something?"
"I'm listening." He looked straight at me.
"A few days before Christmas, I ran into Yumiko at the mall. It seems she went shopping there with you."
"I remember it well."
"Whenever I've gone out with Yumiko, it's normal to see her smiling."
"Are you bragging or something?" He raised an eyebrow.
"But that day—when she was with you—her smile was more radiant than any other time she's been with me."
Takeshi-san fell silent.
From what little I know—either through observation or the things she's told me—Yumiko genuinely treasures her time with her parents. It's the most important thing to her, and there's nothing wrong with that.
"There's no reason for you to feel jealous of your daughter's friend. The bond between a father and his daughter is far stronger than that of a mere friend."
"Honestly…" He chuckled. "You're making it hard for me to say the cliché things a father is supposed to say to a boy close to his daughter."
"I'm just being honest."
I won't give you my daughter. You're not good enough for her.
That was probably what he'd been about to say as a joke.
"Tsurumi-kun."
With a calm expression, he stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You still have a long and difficult road ahead before you can call me father-in-law."
After saying that, he turned around and started walking back along the path we had come from.
He couldn't bring himself to say those stereotypical lines of a jealous father, yet he still managed to come up with something just as pointed. Incredible.
"Oh, by the way." He stopped after a few steps and glanced back at me. "You're a nice guy."
With those final words, I watched him disappear into the distance.
"I guess I've cleared the hardest part of wanting to date a girl…"
Earning her father's approval.
All I could do was laugh at my situation.
Yumiko sees me as nothing more than a friend, yet her father has already given me his "blessing." Maybe someday—if I ever manage to break through that wall of friendship—I'll actually get the chance to date his daughter.
"How hilarious."
With those thoughts lingering in my mind, I started walking home.