Under the pretext of discussing my next part-time job, Masaomi-san and I moved to his private office in the garden.
He told me that we could talk freely here without being overheard, and that we would know immediately if anyone approached.
In other words, he intended to tell me something he wasn't ready for Mayumi-san or Sara-san to hear.
Given the atmosphere he was exuding, I couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous tension as I waited for him to speak.
"Now then... before we get to the heart of the matter, I want to clarify something. What I’m about to tell you is a secret that even Sara doesn’t know. Only three people are aware of this: my wife, my mother-in-law, and me. It isn’t an overly grand or tragic story... though it certainly caused a stir at the time. Now, we’ve accepted it as a part of our past. That’s why we haven’t told Sara, and we don’t believe there's any need to tell her in the future."
"Um, if it’s such a serious matter, shouldn't Sara-san know rather than me? I don't want to sound distant, but... I’m not a true, blood-related member of the family yet."
I understood perfectly well that Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san accepted me as if I were real family. I felt that warmth every day.
But "as if" was the operative phrase; the fact remained that I was technically just their future son-in-law. I wondered if it was right for me to know something even their biological daughter, Sara-san, was kept in the dark about.
"Kazunari-kun, it’s true that we aren't related by blood, and nothing can change the fact that we are currently in-laws. We haven't even processed the formal adoption yet. But I... no, both Mayumi and I already think of you as our own flesh-and-blood son. That’s why we’re truly happy that you and Sara are together."
"...Masaomi-san."
I didn't know what to say.
To have him speak those words so earnestly...
I was happy—truly, deeply happy. If I let my guard down, I might have started to tear up. No, I had to stay strong.
"I’m sorry for being so blunt. But this is our sincere truth. Receiving that present from you today made me realize once again just how much I believe it. So, I never want you to think that you aren't true family just because of blood. I’m telling you this now precisely because I consider you my real son."
"...I understand."
An overwhelming surge of emotion welled up from deep within me, but I suppressed it with sheer willpower, trying to maintain the composure necessary to listen.
The fact that Sara-san didn't know still nagged at me, but Masaomi-san had gone this far to open up to me.
I decided to focus entirely on what he had to say.
"Thank you. Now, for the main point... Kazunari-kun, don't you think Mayumi's behavior has been a bit much lately? To put it plainly, I feel her expressions of affection toward you have strayed quite far from the norm. Has she been pushing things too far when I’m not around?"
"E-er... well..."
He wasn't wrong. It was either "going too far" or "constantly escalating."
Lately, she would try to initiate physical intimacy the second I let my guard down. A dozen instances flashed through my mind, but they were a bit difficult to put into words.
Though, during the Parental Observation Day, I definitely thought she had crossed a line...
"Yes, I thought so. I’m sorry. It seems she has been causing you more trouble than I realized."
"No, that’s absolutely not true! Mayumi-san has taken wonderful care of me, and um, I’m genuinely happy that she dotes on me. Knowing how much she’s accepted me, I’d never think of it as a nuisance!"
Masaomi-san seemed to have read the truth in my reaction, but I truly didn't find Mayumi-san's actions annoying.
Even if I felt she went overboard sometimes, I knew it was because she cared about me. I could never find that unpleasant.
That was the absolute truth.
"I see... thank you. It makes me happy to know you think so highly of her. I want to thank you for that."
"No, please, the pleasure is mine..."
The mood had turned a bit heavy, but judging from his lead-in, this entire conversation was about Mayumi-san's behavior toward me.
"Regarding Mayumi... I believe she feels affection for you as her real son. Not 'like' a son, but her actual, biological son."
"Her real... son?"
"Yes. In her heart, you are truly her own."
Her real, actual son... In other words, Mayumi-san didn't see me as a "son-in-law" or "like a son," but as her actual child?
I see... Now that he mentioned it, a lot of things started to make sense.
Lately, Mayumi-san's way of interacting with me had clearly surpassed the boundaries of how one normally treats a son-in-law.
But even if she thought of me as her "real son," I didn't think parents usually went that far with a high school-aged son...
"To be clear, Mayumi liked you from the very beginning. Part of it was that you were the only boy who could get along with Sara, and another part was how much you clearly treasured her. Also—and this is awkward for me to say—it seems she sees parts of my younger self in you. She enjoys remembering our student days and gets a thrill out of your innocent reactions. I feel bad for you regarding that part, but..."
"N-no... I had a vague idea about that. And I know she was truly happy about my feelings for Sara-san."
"Yes. But... I believe that was just the catalyst, the surface level. Deep down, Mayumi likely, unconsciously, sees you as..."
Masaomi-san's voice trailed off.
He looked like he was struggling to find the words, which told me that what he was about to say was incredibly heavy.
It likely concerned the deepest reaches of Mayumi-san's heart—a profound matter for both of them as a couple.
Was it really okay for me to hear this?
"I’m sorry. I know that by telling you this, I’m making you carry a burden. However, I felt that as someone who will be part of this family and interacting with Mayumi forever, you should know. So, I’m going to tell you."
Masaomi-san closed his eyes and took a steadying breath, as if psyching himself up to speak the truth.
"This was back around the time we got married... When we talked about having our first child, Mayumi desperately wanted a boy. I, on the other hand, wanted a girl. We talked about having at least two children. Personally, I felt that as long as they were born healthy, it didn't matter which came first."
"........."
"Mayumi wanted a boy because she had always wanted an older brother when she was a child. Back when we first got close, she would always say things like 'I wanted a big brother' or 'If only Masaomi-kun were older'... Not that I could do much about that. But she said it often. That’s why she insisted that once we got married, our first child had to be a boy. The second would be a girl."
He paused, a shadow crossing his face.
"Eventually, we got married, and when we found out Mayumi was pregnant, we were overjoyed. Even though it was too early to know the gender, Mayumi was convinced the child was a boy. But then... she had a miscarriage. It was still the early stages, so we never even learned the gender."
I was stunned. This was far heavier than I had imagined.
I didn't know what to say; the words just wouldn't come. But Masaomi-san didn't seem to be looking for a response. Or perhaps he was just lost in the memory himself.
All I could do was stay silent and listen to the end.
"The shock was devastating for Mayumi. It took a long time before she could look forward again. You might not be able to imagine it from the woman she is now, but back then, she was in a truly terrible state."
"I... I see..."
"Yes. So when Sara was born, we were just so, so happy. Both Mayumi and I didn't care about gender anymore. Just the fact that she was here, that she was alive—that alone was everything."
As he recalled those days, Masaomi-san wore a truly beautiful smile that resonated in my chest. I could almost see the scenes he was describing.
That surge of emotion I had been suppressing threatened to break through again.
"We doted on Sara with everything we had. And fortunately, Sara took after Mayumi... This might sound like a doting father talking, but I was certain she would grow up to be a beauty. I never dreamed that her looks would be a curse that turned her into a man-hater."
"That’s true. But for me, I feel like I benefited from that part..."
"Haha, true enough. So when you told me you were dating Sara, I was shocked. I truly couldn't believe it. But, because you were the one Sara chose, I was prepared to accept you no matter what. As a parent, I felt a certain loneliness, but I believed that if it was a man Sara chose, there couldn't possibly be a mistake. And I was right. In the end, you’re even fulfilling my own wishes."
"I... I thought that as long as I could be with Sara-san, I didn't need anything else. I still feel that way. That’s why, back then, I even considered taking Sara-san back to my family home if there was no other way. But I knew that if her parents didn't acknowledge her from the bottom of their hearts, she wouldn't be happy in the true sense... it would always be a scar. For Sara-san to be truly happy, I had to be acknowledged by you and Mayumi-san. I believed it was my role to find the best way for everyone to accept us. Because it's my role to make Sara-san happy. I won't give that up to anyone. Choosing the path where Sara-san is the happiest is the happiest path for me as well."
When the talk of Sara-san's arranged marriage first came up, I had considered the worst-case scenario.
But I had treated that as the absolute last resort.
I personally wanted Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san to accept me, and I couldn't give up for Sara-san's sake.
That was precisely why I had no hesitation in accepting the conditions they set; if it meant a way forward, I welcomed it.
Besides, those conditions were so wonderful that I didn't even think of them as a burden.
"Your role to make her happy... huh. Haha, to think the day would come when a young man would say that to my face. I wonder if my father-in-law felt this way back then... or maybe he just thought I was an arrogant kid."
"Masaomi-san?"
He laughed to himself, looking nostalgic. I thought I heard him mention his "father-in-law"—Mayumi-san's father.
"Yes. My intuition was right: a man chosen by Sara is the right man. Moreover, you already have the strongest supporters in President Nishikawa and my mother-in-law. You have nothing to worry about on that front. You can take your time to gain experience at work. But human connections are different. I believe you have a talent—a way of drawing people to you and making those connections your own."
"E-er?"
Masaomi-san was becoming increasingly animated. While I was happy he was praising me, it was a lot to take in.
He clearly expected a lot from me, and that made me want to meet those expectations. I felt a fresh surge of energy to work even harder.
However... we were getting a bit away from the main topic.
"Oops, sorry, I got sidetracked. In short, I have high expectations for you. We will continue to support you both."
"Thank you. I'll keep doing my best! And..."
"Yes, back to Mayumi. What I’m saying is that the image Mayumi sees in you isn't just one thing. You're the one who treasures Sara, the one who makes Sara happy, the one who reminds her of our youth... and..."
Masaomi-san looked me straight in the eyes.
He stared intently, his gaze unwavering. I didn't look away either. I could already guess the answer, but I needed to hear it. For me to truly become part of the family.
"The child she never got to see... she is unconsciously overlapping that child's image with you. That is why she treats you with an affection that borders on excessive."
His words were exactly what I had anticipated.
This explained everything—why Mayumi-san had shown me such an overwhelming, almost desperate amount of love until now.
"This might be a burden to you—"
"Thank you... Hearing that makes me feel all the more that Mayumi-san is my true mother."
Even knowing the reason, my feelings toward Mayumi-san didn't change at all.
If anything...
"...Kazunari-kun?"
"Even if she sees that child in me, Mayumi-san still sees me as Kazunari. Rather than just overlapping us, I think she’s doting on me for that child's sake, too. If I look at it that way, isn't she treating me as her true son in two different ways? That only makes me happy."
I believed that "overlapping" could be seen in a different light.
If you thought of it as being a "replacement," it felt negative. But I felt that Mayumi-san—and surely Hanako-san too—weren't looking at me as a substitute, but were loving me "extra" to include the love they had for the ones they lost.
That felt like a much more natural and correct way to see it.
"That's why... hearing this has made me feel even more like Mayumi-san is my real mother. And Masaomi-san, for telling me something so important... you are also, truly, my true father."
Normally, saying something so sentimental would have been incredibly embarrassing, but Masaomi-san had shared his heart with me.
Understanding Mayumi-san's feelings made me want to respond in kind and tell him my own true feelings.
Once I decided to say it, the words came out more easily than I expected.
But the emotions I had been holding back—the pure joy of it all—were becoming too much.
"I see... you're right. Yes... you're absolutely right. Mayumi is certainly... giving you all the love she had for that child..."
"Yes... Yes! That’s why... that’s why I’m... I’m... so... so happy..."
I couldn't hold it back anymore.
Imagining their joy when Sara-san was born moved me to my core. Understanding the depth of Mayumi-san's love and seeing Masaomi-san's truly happy face...
For a long while, both Masaomi-san and I sat there in silence.
Neither of us could find the words.
………………
"Kazunari-kun, thank you for listening. I’m truly glad I could talk to you."
"I should be the one thanking you for sharing this with me. Now I can accept Mayumi-san's actions more wholeheartedly than ever before."
Until now, I'd had certain reservations, wondering if it was really okay for her to be so affectionate. But now that I understood how she felt, I could welcome it.
However, the absolute condition remained that it shouldn't cause trouble for Sara-san.
"Thank you. I had always been worried about it, but knowing the truth, I couldn't bring myself to say anything when she looked so happy with you. I’m truly sorry."
"No, I think anyone would feel that way in your position, Masaomi-san. Please don't worry about it. I’m happy to receive her affection. Though... perhaps not directly in front of Sara-san..."
"Yes. I'll find a way to talk to her about that."
"Right. I think that when Sara-san isn't looking, or within a range where she doesn't mind, it’s fine to let Mayumi-san have her way a little. If you could handle the balance..."
Just like with Hanako-san, as long as they didn't upset Sara-san, I didn't mind.
The absolute line was that Sara-san's feelings came first. That was the one thing I would never compromise on.
"Truly... you have to handle both Sara and Mayumi. We’re putting a lot on you."
"It's not a burden. So please, don't worry!"
"I see... thank you. Once again, I’m counting on you."
"Yes."
"Also, please keep this talk a secret from Mayumi. Her behavior is likely unconscious, and I don't want to make her self-conscious by pointing it out."
"I understand. But is it really okay not to tell Sara-san?"
"Telling Sara that she might have had an older brother or sister—someone she never knew—would likely just confuse her. However, now that you know, you can tell her if you ever judge it to be the right time. In fact, she would probably take it better coming from you."
I wasn't sure if it was my place to tell such a story, as it felt like a huge responsibility.
But if Masaomi-san said so, then perhaps one day.
"I understand. If the time ever feels right, I might talk to her."
I didn't know when that would be, but if that day ever came...
"That’s fine by me. I’ll leave Sara to you. I’ll leave everything to you. Actually... a good time to tell her might be when Sara..."
"When Sara-san...?"
"Haha, no, that’s getting too far ahead of ourselves. Just tell her when you think the time is right. Or don't tell her at all. We never intended to say anything in the first place."
"U-understood?"
I thought he might have had a specific occasion in mind, but I guess he was leaving that up to me too.
……………
………
…
"Hehe, what’s with the two of you? You both look strangely happy."
After that, Masaomi-san and I had a brief talk about the part-time job and returned to the Main Building.
Sara-san had been just about to come and call us. I was relieved she hadn't seen our emotional state earlier. Masaomi-san likely felt the same.
As we sat down to eat, Mayumi-san and Sara-san looked at us curiously, sensing the change in atmosphere.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just received a present from Kazunari-kun... and it made me so happy. I feel like I finally understand why Mayumi was so delighted."
"My, Kazunari-kun, you even had something for Masaomi-san?"
"Yes. It was a token of my gratitude for my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law."
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, you really are wonderful. I’ll have to reward you later as well."
"Eh? But I already got so much from you, Sara-san..."
I had already received words of thanks and a storm of kisses from her. Anything more would be complete overkill.
"That is that, and this is this. I’ll give you plenty of 'there, there' later, okay?"
In the end, that was just something Sara-san wanted to do... Well, I wanted it too, so I wasn't about to turn it down.
"Hahaha, it’s wonderful to see you two getting along so well."
"My, aren't you relaxed? I thought you'd make a face like you'd swallowed a bitter bug the moment Sara said something like that."
"I’m fine now. I’ve decided to leave everything regarding Sara to Kazunari-kun once and for all."
Masaomi-san gave me a meaningful wink. I guess the "everything" he mentioned earlier included things like this.
"Oh my, was Kazunari-kun's present really that powerful? Good for you, Sara-chan."
"Well... I think it’s only natural. But because Kazunari-san worked so hard, Father has finally acknowledged him from the bottom of his heart."
"No, I didn't really—"
"Fufu... please, don't be modest. Thank you for everything today, Kazunari-san. Tonight, while we hold each other in bed, I'll give you lots of—"
"...W-w-w-wait a second! D-did you just say 'in bed'?! And 'tonight too'?!"
Ah... Sara-san...
That was one of the top-secret matters you weren't supposed to mention!
Masaomi-san obviously didn't know, and I’d hoped Mayumi-san didn't know either. Saying that would immediately destroy the image of us "maintaining moderation" that Mayumi-san had mentioned earlier.
"Sigh... I thought you weren't going to interfere with us anymore?"
"That is a completely different matter! Y-y-you're still high school students! Could you possibly be s-s-sleeping together?! Kazunari-kun, we need to talk—"
"Eeeh?! No, that's...!!"
"Oh, Masaomi-san, settle down! Can't you trust our precious son? And don't make a scene during dinner. Here, Kazunari-kun. Open wide, aahn..."
Mayumi-san's actions were completely random, but she casually offered me a piece of rolled omelet. Before I could even think to react, a piece of rolled omelet from Sara-san was already at my lips. I instinctively took a bite.
"Fufu... how is it, Kazunari-san?"
"It’th delithiouth..."
Sara-san's rolled omelet was the best in the world. I had no choice but to enjoy it.
"Aaaaaah, Sara-chan, how cruel! I was first!"
"I don't care. Besides, I’m the only one allowed to do this for Kazunari-san."
"S-Sara! We aren't done talking—"
Ah... how do I put it? It was so peaceful.
Today had been a truly great day.
Learning about Mayumi-san's past, hearing Masaomi-san's true thoughts, and realizing how much they had accepted me...
I was finally able to think of them as my real parents—another father and another mother.
For the first time, I felt like I had truly become a member of the Satsukawa family.
That was the feeling I took away from today.
"Kazunari-kun! I’m still waiting for an explanation!"
Hmm... I guess I'm still not 100% trusted, though.