The afternoon sun filtered softly through the trees surrounding Master Hikaru's house. Inside, the atmosphere was calm and warm. Haru was sitting on the floor drawing with crayons Yuna had found for him, while Yuna prepared lunch in the small kitchen area. Master Hikaru was meditating quietly in the corner.
A sharp knock echoed through the house.
Yuna froze mid-motion. Hikaru opened his eyes and glanced toward the door.
Haru looked up curiously. "Who is it?"
Hikaru stood up and opened the door.
Standing outside was Master Isamu — Yuna's father. He looked tired, his usual stern expression replaced by visible regret and exhaustion. He was still wearing his elder robes from the council meeting.
Isamu bowed slightly to Hikaru.
"Master Hikaru… I apologize for coming unannounced."
Hikaru nodded silently and stepped aside, allowing him to enter.
The moment Isamu stepped inside, his eyes fell on Yuna and the small boy sitting beside her. Haru looked up at the unfamiliar man with innocent curiosity.
Yuna's expression immediately turned cold. She didn't say a word.
Isamu took a deep breath and spoke with a heavy voice.
"Yuna… I came to apologize."
Yuna remained silent, her hands clenched at her sides.
"I was wrong last night," Isamu continued, his voice lower. "I spoke out of anger and pride. I should not have told you to throw the child out. Please… come back home. This situation has become too complicated. You don't need to burden Master Hikaru any further."
He turned toward Hikaru and bowed deeply.
"Master Hikaru, I ask for your help. Please convince my daughter to return home. She belongs with her family."
Hikaru crossed his arms and looked at Isamu calmly.
"Isamu… she is your daughter. If you want her to return, then convince her yourself. I will not interfere in family matters. She made her choice last night. The decision is hers to make."
Isamu's face tightened, but he didn't argue with the respected master. He turned back to Yuna, his voice softening slightly.
"Yuna… please. I was harsh. But you are still my daughter. Come home. We can raise the child properly under our roof. There is no need for you to stay here."
Yuna finally spoke. Her voice was quiet but firm, carrying years of suppressed pain.
"Father… you told me to throw Haru out like he was nothing. You refused to even listen when I told you the truth about C. You chose your pride over your own daughter's feelings. And now you want me to come back as if nothing happened?"
She gently placed a protective hand on Haru's head.
"Haru has already lost too much. I won't let him feel unwanted again. This house… Master Hikaru has accepted both of us. I'm staying here."
Isamu's shoulders slumped. For the first time in many years, the proud elder looked truly defeated.
"I… I was wrong. I admit it. But family should stay together. Please, Yuna."
Yuna shook her head slowly.
"Not like this, Father. Not when you still can't accept the truth. Not when you still look at Haru like he's a burden."
Haru looked up at Yuna with big, worried eyes, then at the older man.
"Is this… Yuna-sa's papa?" he asked softly.
Yuna nodded.
Haru stood up and bowed politely, just like Kanashimi had taught him.
"Hello… I'm Haru. Please take care of me."
The innocent greeting hit Isamu harder than any scolding could. He stared at the small boy for a long moment, then turned away, unable to meet his eyes.
Master Hikaru watched everything quietly before speaking in a calm but firm tone.
"Isamu… go home and reflect. When you are truly ready to accept both your daughter and this child, then you may return. Until then, Yuna and Haru will stay here under my care."
Isamu stood silently for several seconds, then gave a deep bow to Hikaru.
"I understand."
He looked at Yuna one last time, his eyes filled with regret, but said nothing more. He turned and left the house, his steps heavier than when he had arrived.
The door closed behind him.
Yuna let out a long, shaky breath and pulled Haru into her arms, hugging him tightly.
Haru looked up at her worriedly.
"Yuna-sa… are you sad?"
She smiled gently and shook her head, kissing his forehead.
"No, Haru. I'm okay. We're okay."
Yuna's inner thoughts:
Father… I wanted to go home.But I can't go back to a place where Haru is not wanted.Not anymore.
Master Hikaru placed a gentle hand on Yuna's shoulder.
"You did well," he said softly. "Take your time. This house is yours for as long as you need it."
Haru hugged Yuna tighter and whispered, "I like it here with Onee-chan and Grandpa."
Yuna closed her eyes, holding the small boy close as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
For the first time in a long while, she felt like she had made the right choice.
Master Hikaru's house was filled with the warm aroma of cooking rice and miso soup. Yuna had taken over the kitchen, moving quietly but efficiently as she prepared lunch for the three of them. She was still processing everything that had happened — her father's apology, her decision to stay, and the complicated feelings swirling inside her.
Haru, now full of energy after resting, sat on the floor in front of Master Hikaru, swinging his little legs. He looked up at the tall silver-haired man with sparkling, curious eyes.
"Grandpa Hikaru…" he started innocently.
Hikaru smiled warmly. "Yes, Haru?"
Haru tilted his head. "Why is Onee-chan living here now? Did she run away from home like brother did?"
Yuna, who was stirring the soup, froze mid-motion.
Hikaru tried to hold back a laugh but failed. A deep chuckle escaped him.
Yuna turned around with a slightly stern expression. "Haru, that's not a polite question."
Haru blinked innocently, not understanding why it was wrong.
"But Grandpa is strong! Did Onee-chan come here because she likes Grandpa more than her papa?"
This time Hikaru couldn't hold it in. He let out a loud, genuine laugh, covering his mouth with his hand.
Yuna's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and motherly annoyance.
"Haru!" she scolded gently, pointing the wooden spoon at him. "Stop asking such strange questions!"
Haru, sensing he was in trouble, quickly crawled over and hid his face in Master Hikaru's lap, peeking out with one eye like a mischievous kitten.
Hikaru patted Haru's head affectionately, still chuckling.
"It's alright, Yuna. Children are naturally curious."
Haru, feeling safe in Hikaru's lap, continued in a muffled voice:
"Grandpa… does brother love Onee-chan? Because he kissed her mouth yesterday when she was hurt. Does that mean they are going to make a baby like in the stories?"
Yuna nearly dropped the spoon.
"Haru!!" she exclaimed, her face turning bright red. "Where did you learn that?!"
Hikaru burst into loud laughter, his shoulders shaking. He tried to speak but couldn't stop laughing for a few seconds.
Yuna pointed at Haru with mock anger, though her lips were twitching like she was fighting a smile.
"You little troublemaker! Come here right now!"
Haru squealed and buried himself deeper into Hikaru's lap, using the tall man as a human shield.
"Nooo! Grandpa, protect me! Onee-chan is angry like a dragon!"
Hikaru, still laughing, wrapped one protective arm around the small boy.
"Now, now, Yuna. Go easy on my grandson. He's just asking what's on his mind."
Yuna put her hands on her hips, looking every bit like a tired but fond mother.
"He shouldn't be asking those kinds of things at his age! Haru, if you keep talking like that, no dessert for you tonight."
Haru peeked out again, eyes wide and innocent.
"But… I want to know when I will get a new little brother or sister…"
Yuna's face turned even redder. She turned back to the kitchen quickly, muttering under her breath.
Hikaru was still chuckling, gently stroking Haru's hair.
"You really are Kanashimi's brother," he said fondly. "Full of unexpected questions."
Haru smiled happily, clearly enjoying the attention.
"Grandpa… will you teach me how to fight like brother? So I can protect Onee-chan when she gets angry?"
Yuna sighed from the kitchen, but there was a small, soft smile on her face now.
Yuna's inner thoughts:
This child… he's going to be the death of me.But… hearing him call me Onee-chan so naturally… it feels warm.
Master Hikaru looked at Yuna's back, then down at the little boy hiding in his lap, and felt a quiet sense of warmth fill his lonely house.
For the first time in many years, the old home felt alive again.
Even if it was filled with chaos, innocent questions, and a bit of motherly scolding.