Kanjuro gently knocked on Yui Yuigahama's door and, without waiting for a response, naturally pushed it open and entered. The room was decorated in a warm and cute style, full of a young girl's atmosphere. Yui Yuigahama was sitting at her desk, frowning at an open workbook. Hearing the movement, she looked up and seeing it was Kanjuro, a surprised smile immediately broke across her face.
"Kanjuro-kun? Is Mom finished talking with you?"
"Yeah, we're finished talking." Kanjuro walked to her side, his gaze falling on her workbook. "How is it? Are there any problems you can't do? Maybe I can take a look for you." His tone was gentle, carrying a reassuring composure.
Yui somewhat shyly pointed to a function problem in her math exercise book: "This one... I don't quite understand the logic for the transformation."
Kanjuro pulled over a nearby chair and sat down, leaning in closer to begin explaining. He didn't just give her the answer; instead, using clear and logical language, he guided her step-by-step to understand the principles behind the formula and the key to solving it. His voice was low and pleasant, and his logic was extremely clear—even easier to understand than the explanations in the textbook.
Initially, Yui Yuigahama's heart raced a bit because of his proximity, but she was soon completely drawn in by his brilliant explanation. She discovered that Kanjuro-kun was not only good-looking but also frighteningly smart; those difficult problems that gave her a headache seemed effortless to him.
"So that's how it is! Kanjuro-kun, you're amazing!" When she finally had her epiphany and solved the problem, she couldn't help but utter a heartfelt exclamation of praise, looking at him with sparkling eyes full of admiration.
Kanjuro smiled slightly, a smile that appeared exceptionally soft under the light of the desk lamp: "It's nothing, I've just studied a bit more than you." His gaze fell on her cheeks, which were slightly red from excitement, carrying a trace of imperceptible scrutiny and... satisfaction.
"Really super amazing!" Yui nodded vigorously, then as if remembering something, she rested her chin in her hands and looked at Kanjuro with a somewhat dazed expression, "And... I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I always feel that when I'm with Kanjuro-kun, it feels very special..."
"Oh? Special in what way?" Kanjuro asked with interest, his body moving imperceptibly closer to her again. His crisp and unique scent lingered faintly around the tip of Yui's nose.
Yui's face turned even redder. She shyly lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of hair, her voice soft: "It's just... I feel very at ease, very natural. Like... like we've known each other for a long time." She gathered her courage to look up, her eyes clear and sincere, "And, Kanjuro-kun, although you look a bit cold, you're actually very gentle and patient... I always feel like there's a... very familiar feeling about you."
"Familiar feeling?" Kanjuro repeated the words, a dark glint flashing deep in his eyes, too fast to catch. He reached out and, with total naturalness, gently brushed away a stray lock of pink hair from her forehead, his fingertips ghosting over her skin.
This overly intimate gesture made Yui's body tremble slightly, her heart skipping a beat as a strange heat rushed to her cheeks. Yet, strangely, she didn't feel any repulsion; instead, there was a... mysterious sense of familiarity and a fluttering sensation.
"Perhaps," Kanjuro said, looking at her shy and bewildered expression, his lips curling into a meaningful arc, his voice low and seductive, "this is what they call... fate."
His words and actions were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in Yui Yuigahama's simple heart that she herself couldn't understand. That mysterious "familiar feeling" and "fate," mixed with a hazy fondness for an outstanding member of the opposite sex, were quietly growing, drawing her toward a dangerous whirlpool that her mother was desperately trying to keep her away from.
Meanwhile, Kanjuro was like a patient angler, admiring the fish as it was gradually attracted by the bait, slowly swimming toward the invisible net that had already been spread out. At dinner time, warm light enveloped the small dining table, the aroma of dishes intertwining with a subtle atmosphere called "family." Yuigahama Yui had prepared a sumptuous meal; despite her complex mood, years of habit had led her to cook every dish exquisitely and deliciously.
Kanjuro naturally sat in the head seat, as if he were the original master of the house. With a gentle smile on his face, he chatted easily with Yui about interesting things at school, occasionally praising Yoko's cooking.
"The miso soup Mom makes is the best!" Yui held her bowl, squinting her eyes happily, her cheeks puffed out like a little hamster's. There was a "guest" at home today, and it was Kanjuro-kun whom she liked very much; the atmosphere was much livelier than when it was just her and her mother, giving her an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and joy.
"Eat more if you like it," Kanjuro said tenderly, using the serving chopsticks to place a piece of golden tamagoyaki into Yui's bowl. "You're still growing, you need to eat more."
"Thank you, Kanjuro-kun!" Yui thanked him happily, her eyes curving into crescents.
Yuigahama Yui watched this scene with a mood beyond words. Her reason told her that behind this warmth was a bottomless abyss, but emotionally, seeing her daughter's heartfelt smile and this rare "complete" scene at the table, a crack involuntarily formed in her frozen defenses. How long had it been since she felt this... filling warmth? She ate her meal silently, not participating much in the conversation, but the tense lines of her neck and shoulders softened unconsciously.
Just then, the chopsticks in Kanjuro's hand "accidentally" slipped, falling onto the floor between him and Yoko.
"Oh my."
The tablecloth blocked the view below. In a corner Yui couldn't see, the moment Kanjuro picked up the chopsticks, his hand moved extremely quickly and discreetly, lightly brushing against Yuigahama Yui's thigh through her loungewear pants with a flirtatious intent.
Yoko's body suddenly stiffened, her movement to pick up food paused, and two spots of crimson instantly flew to her cheeks as she glared at Kanjuro in shock and anger. But Kanjuro had already straightened up as if nothing had happened, his face still wearing that refined and elegant expression; he even gave a regretful smile to the looking Yui: "My hand slipped."
He stood up calmly: "I'll go to the kitchen to change my chopsticks."
Only after he left did Yoko slowly let out a breath, though her heart was still racing. The place that had been touched seemed to retain that familiar, trembling sensation. This demon! she cursed inwardly, yet she couldn't show even a hint of it in front of her daughter.
Kanjuro returned quickly, acting as if nothing had happened, continuing to tenderly serve Yui food and asking about her studies, his tone as caring as that of a true elder.
"I'm really so happy today!" Yui put down her chopsticks and pressed her hands together, her face overflowing with pure, happy radiance. "I feel like the house has never been this lively or this warm! Kanjuro-kun, thank you for coming to my house today!"
As she spoke, her eyes even turned slightly red: "I... I've always hoped that our home could be like other people's, lively during mealtimes..."
Kanjuro looked at her, his gaze "soft" and his voice lowering slightly: "I'm very happy too, Yui. Being here makes me feel very... comfortable." His gaze swept seemingly inadvertently across Yoko, who sat opposite them with her head down, the tips of her ears still flushed red.
Hearing her daughter's words and feeling Kanjuro's meaningful gaze, Yuigahama Yui's heart was a mess of emotions. Her warning reason and her craving for this distorted "reunion" were in fierce conflict. Ultimately, the maternal reluctance to ruin her daughter's joy, combined with that pathological attachment to Kanjuro deep within her, made her choose silence, even... acquiescence.
She looked up, forcing a natural smile, and said to Yui: "Silly child, as long as you're happy." There was an imperceptible choke and compromise in her tone.
This dinner continued for a long time in a strange yet incredibly harmonious atmosphere of "domestic bliss." The three of them chatted; it was mainly Kanjuro and Yui talking, with Yoko occasionally adding a few words. The topics ranged from school life to Yui's hobbies, and even touched upon some trivial news anecdotes.
Time flowed quietly, the night outside deepened, and the stars dotted the sky.
It wasn't until Yui couldn't help but let out a small yawn that the three realized it was already quite late.
"Ah, it's so late already!" Yui rubbed her eyes, looking a bit reluctant.
"Yeah, we got too caught up in the conversation." Kanjuro stood up with a smile. "I should be heading back too."
Yoko also stood up, preparing to see the guest off with a complex heart.
Kanjuro, however, looked at her and said in a natural tone: "Today was truly pleasant. I'll be coming by often from now on." This wasn't a suggestion; it was a notification. His gaze drifted between Yoko and Yui, finally settling on Yui's small, expectant face as he added:
"After all, this 'family' feeling is really quite nice."
These words acted as the final catalyst, completely melting the last defensive barriers in Yuigahama Yui's heart. Looking at her daughter's sparkling eyes, which were written with the hope that "Kanjuro-kun would come again," the longing for the warmth of a normal family deep within her overwhelmed her fear of the future.
She nodded gently, her voice so low it was almost inaudible: "...Mhm."
In the night, Kanjuro left the Yuigahama residence.
Inside, the lingering warmth of dinner and an illusion called "family" remained. Yuigahama Yui cleared the dishes, her mood still chaotic, yet a strange sense of calm, tinged with guilt, enveloped her.
As for Yui Yuigahama, she drifted into sleep with expectations for the next "reunion," perhaps still dreaming of that gentle, handsome "Kanjuro-kun" who made her feel so incredibly close.
But beneath this warm curtain, a dangerous web was silently spreading and tightening. Kanjuro had just walked a short distance from the Yuigahama house when hurried and light footsteps came from behind him, accompanied by slight panting.
"Ye... Kanjuro-kun! Wait a moment!"
He stopped and turned. Under the moonlight, Yui Yuigahama came running up, her pink bun swaying slightly with her movements, her cheeks flushed from running and excitement.
"What's wrong, Yui?" Kanjuro's voice sounded exceptionally gentle in the night air.
"I... I wanted to see you off!" Yui had her hands behind her back, her fingers nervously interlaced. She looked up at him, her eyes clear and sincere, "Just... just to the intersection!"
Kanjuro didn't refuse and nodded, and the two of them strolled side-by-side along the quiet residential streets. The streetlights stretched and shortened their shadows repeatedly.
The night air was slightly cool, carrying the fresh scent of plants. After a moment of silence, Yui Yuigahama seemed to gather her courage and spoke in a soft but incredibly serious voice:
"Kanjuro-kun, today... today, thank you so very much."
She paused, as if weighing her words, then continued: "To be able to know you, I'm really... really very happy. I... I really like the feeling of being with Kanjuro-kun."
Her confession was pure and direct, without any impurities; it was the most sincere sentiment of a young girl.
Kanjuro looked at her from the side. Moonlight spilled across her upturned face, and the delicate features she had inherited from him and Yoko appeared exceptionally soft, the light shimmering in her eyes brighter than the stars in the sky. A surge of emotions—a blend of blood ties, twisted paternal love, and a certain dark possessiveness—welled up in his heart.
"I'm very happy too," he responded, his voice deep and magnetic.
"Then... then in the future..." Yui pressed nervously, with a hint of cautious anticipation, "can we always be friends? Will Kanjuro-kun still be willing to come to my house?"
Kanjuro stopped and turned to face her directly. His handsome face was half-lit by the moonlight, the corners of his mouth curling into an arc sufficient to make any young girl's heart flutter.
"Of course," his tone carried a drowning tenderness, "after all, you are so cute, Yui."
(So cute... she is my daughter.)
This thought was like a poisonous vine, growing wildly in the depths of his heart, bringing a sense of transgressive, unspeakable satisfaction. Seeing her eyes instantly light up because of his compliment—that defenseless, total trust and joy—was like the sweetest poison.
A strong, almost uncontrollable impulse seized him.
Before Yui Yuigahama could break into an even more radiant smile at his answer, Kanjuro suddenly reached out and gently, yet undeniably, pulled her into his arms.
It was a gentle embrace, his arms encircling her slender shoulders with just the right amount of pressure—not enough to hurt her, but enough that she couldn't break free.
Yui Yuigahama froze instantly, her mind going completely blank.
The crisp scent belonging to Kanjuro enveloped her in an instant. Through the thin school uniform, she could feel the warmth and powerful heartbeat coming from his chest. Her cheek was forced against his chest, and her own heartbeat was like a drum, thundering in her ears, so fast it felt as if it would leap out of her ribcage.
Shyness, panic, helplessness... and a hidden throb of longing that she couldn't even understand herself, made her whole body flush with heat, her cheeks burning intensely. She stood frozen in place, not daring to move, even subconsciously lightening her breathing, as if afraid of disturbing this sudden dream.
The moonlight, like water, flowed quietly over the two people embracing, merging their shadows and stretching them very long.
Kanjuro lowered his head, his chin almost resting on the soft crown of her head. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, imprinting the young girl's innocent scent and that twisted sense of satisfaction into the depths of his heart.
(Truly... impossible to let go.)
The darkness in his heart spread silently beneath the gentle facade.
After several seconds, he slowly released his arms, as if it were merely a brief embrace between friends to express goodwill.
Yui Yuigahama immediately took a small step back, her head lowered, hands clutching the hem of her school skirt. Her ears were blood-red, and she didn't dare look up at him at all.
"The... the intersection is here," she said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's, almost inaudible. "Classmate... Kanjuro-kun, be careful on your way back."
Having said that, like a startled little rabbit, she turned and was about to run away.
"Yui," Kanjuro called out to her.
She paused in her tracks but did not look back.
"Goodnight," his voice, tinged with a smile, came from behind her.
"...G-Goodnight!" Yui Yuigahama stammered in response, and then, unable to hold back any longer, she hurried back toward her home, her heart still racing like an out-of-control wild horse.
Kanjuro stood where he was, watching her cute, panicked figure flee until that splash of pink disappeared from his sight. He raised his hand, his fingertips seemingly still retaining the sensation of the embrace, and the gentle smile on his face gradually transformed into a deep, dark possessiveness.
His daughter was indeed very cute.
So cute... that he, this "father," was almost unable to maintain the facade of his disguise.
This long night was destined to be one of restless sleep for the mother and daughter of the Yuigahama family, each lost in their own thoughts.
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