Stealing Spree

Faced with a gaze that could be akin to a lion eyeing its prey, I decided to stand my ground and not falter against it. My head may have been visited by silly thoughts but... I don’t think I can afford to give a bad impression here.

I passed a hurdle when Fuyu’s mother told me that she respects her daughter’s decision, whatever it may be. But I doubt any father would like it if their daughter chose a menace like me. I mean, that’s also why Elizabeth’s father kept on his act of being against me because he wants what’s best for his daughter. Maybe if I also became a father to a girl in the future, I’d be acting the same as them.

“Good evening, uncle. I’m sorry for coming this late in the night.” I politely said before bowing slightly.

From what I heard from Akane, Fuyu’s father worked as an associate supervisor in a company based in our city. His standing might not be that high if compared to those at the top but it’s pretty much enough to give them a stable life.

He’s probably a few years senior to my parents but I think they’re acquainted at some point. Akane told me about it. He grew up in this city, after all. It’s Fuyu’s mother who came from another place. They met each other during college and married each other when they graduated. They spent a few years without a child, maybe to be able to save enough for them. For sure, Auntie was also a career woman before but decided to quit and focus on being a housewife after they found stability.

“Mhm. You’re as polite as I’ve heard from Akane. Can you come closer? I can’t see you quite clearly from here.”

Although the words he uttered sounded like he didn’t find me problematic, his tone and expression were showing the contrary.

Or maybe I was just overthinking it? Anyway, since he asked me to come closer, I should just follow it for now.

However, before I could even take a step, Fuyu who was next to me let out an exhausted sigh.

“Dad, I told you. You shouldn’t take off your eyeglasses even in our house. You’re squinting so hard that it looks like you’re threatening Onoda-kun!”

Huh?

Did I hear that right?

I glanced at Fuyu and found the girl holding her forehead. On the far side, Akane also looked like she was trying to hold back her laughter.

And Fubuki... The little girl stood up and went over somewhere. When she returned, she was holding onto a case; your typical eyeglass case, and handed it over to their father.

“Here, Dad.”

“Oh! My little Fubuki. Thank you!”

He grabbed it. Patted the little girl’s head and happily doted on her. Upon putting on his eyeglasses, his staunch expression seemingly relaxed. The pressure radiating from his body also disappeared as if it were merely an illusion.

And with his eyes clearing up, the fierce gaze from earlier was replaced by an amiable look of someone who seemed to be pleased with what he was seeing.

... Yeah. How stupid. I got bamboozled there. The only reason he looked that fierce was because of his nearsightedness... He had trouble seeing someone from afar. Hence, he wanted me to approach him closer.

No wonder...

Akane knew and she didn’t tell me.

This was fun for her.

And looking at Fuyu, she probably had no idea that his father would show up here without his glasses.

“Oh! I can see you now. Welcome, Onoda-kun. Don’t be troubled. Even I won’t let Akane go home alone at this late hour. It’s great that you can come and pick her up.”

With an embarrassed laugh, the middle-aged man scratched his head before focusing his sight on me again.

If earlier he looked like someone who could swallow his prey whole, he transformed into a goofy uncle who’d happily invite you to a barbecue party during weekends.

He had that much positive energy that I couldn’t help but rebuke myself for feeling that much pressure from him.

But then again, since this was the first time I was meeting him, I had no idea what to expect from him.

“Eh... That’s not what you were saying earlier uncle. You’re offering to drive me home when you heard my dad is at home.”

“Urk... Don’t out me like that, Akane-chan. I have no intention whatsoever to sneak out and have a drink with your father.”

Akane playfully interjected, revealing something that made Fuyu’s father flinch instantly. He cautiously looked around him before muttering in a hushed voice.

However, a figure suddenly appeared behind him. It’s Fuyu’s mother, carrying a tray filled with teapots, cups, and the donuts I brought.

She’s smiling through her eyes but I couldn’t help but feel a chill radiating from her body even if it’s directed at her husband.

“Ara... Did I hear a mischievous man making excuses? Dear, what did I tell you? No alcohol until your health comes back around.”

“Y-yes, dear.” Like a man properly collared by his wife, he obediently nodded before lowering his head dejectedly...

This... Why do I feel like their relationship is the same with my parents? No. Even Akane’s parents are the same... They’re all that submissive to their wives.

The fierce uncle from earlier had two different transformations in the span of a minute.

“Onoda-kun, I apologize on their behalf.”

I heard Fuyu whispering at my side... She probably expected this but not to the extent that they’d be showing me the dynamics of their relationship.

From here, I once again introduced myself but this time, in front of the couple.

Just like my first visit, Fuyu’s mother took over the conversation but her father was also quite interested in me, or rather, Onoda Hiroki’s only son.

Right. He’s acquainted with my parents and he’s even a drinking buddy of Akane’s father. It’s only natural for him to be curious.

In any case, it looks like Akane never told them yet that we’re living together. They only know that our houses are right next to each other. That’s why me, coming over to pick her up, is treated as normal by them.

However, given my previous encounter with Fuyu’s mother, she must've had an idea of how things really are between us. She’s just keeping her mouth shut. Maybe until Fuyu decides on the direction she wants to take.

“Oho... You came here after your part-time job? That’s impressive. But aren’t you too young to work? You should rely on your parents more. While it’s reassuring to see my child becoming mature right away, one should never throw away their chance to enjoy their youth.”

After a few minutes of conversing with them over tea and donuts, our topic moved over to this.

I don’t know how this happened but at the moment, I’m being sandwiched between Akane and Fuyu with Fubuki comfortably seated on my lap. As for the couple, they’re seated in front of us.

Shouldn’t this be bad? Why is he fine seeing his daughters frolicking next to me? And why isn’t he suspicious of how close I am to the girls?

Ugh... I don’t know. But Auntie was definitely amused at this sight.

“Uhm. I’m actually doing this to figure out my path in life, uncle. I’m trying different things at the moment. This part-

time job is only one such thing.”

“I see... But Onoda-kun, you didn’t hear me clearly. I said you should enjoy your youth while you still can... Tell me. Looking at how close you are to them... Are you going after Akane or my daughter?”

Alright. I’ll take back what I said earlier. It’s not that he’s not bothered by this. He’s just finding the right moment to drop this bomb on me.

Is he asking me to choose here?