Chapter 89 Visiting Day

Friday.

It was the first day of the exam.

And it was also the day my dad would be visiting.

When it came to the days I looked forward to, it felt like Id waited an eternity for it to come, but when it came to the days I didnt look forward to, they came in the blink of an eye. Of course I wasnt talking about the day of the exam. I studied a lot so I didnt care much about it.

What I was talking about was the visitation day. It used to be one of the days I looked forward to. I loved him a lot, he was a cool dad, he always worked hard for his family and I admired him.

Sorry to make you deal with something like this today, Maki

Like I said, its fine, mom. Well be eating at a restaurant in front of the station at 7 pm. Ill order a lot of expensive food there and enjoy myself.

Hehe Alright, alright Also, your money

Its fine, mom. Ill just ask for some from dad later.

Just take it so you can make it up to Umi next week, okay?

Well, if she put it that way, I got no reason to refuse. More funds for our little Christmas party with Amami-san.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated.

Umi texted me.

[Asanagi: Sorry.]

[Asanagi: I got something to do at Yuus place, so I have to go there this morning.]

[Maehara: Got it. See you at school.]

[Asanagi: Mm.]

[Asanagi: Maki, are you okay?]

[Asanagi: I know I might sound overprotective, but Ill accompany you halfway, okay?]

[Maehara: Im fine, dont worry. Were planning to go to a fancy restaurant and Im going to stuff myself with a lot of expensive food.]

[Asanagi: Never mind then, Ill accompany you until the end. Youre going to Ruiho, right? I heard the most expensive food there is A5 steak and for dessert, it has to be strawberry parfait.]

[Maehara: Then, Ill order those. Dont worry, Ill eat your share for you.]

[Asanagi: Damn you]

[Asanagi: I want free food too]

[Maehara: You have to watch over Amami-san, right? Do it properly. Ill contact you after everything is done.]

[Asanagi: Fine.]

[Maehara: Also, Umi. Thank you.]

[Asanagi: Mm]

[Asanagi: Godspeed.]

And so the first day of the exam began.

I was able to solve most of the questions without much trouble except for math. However I should be able to get at least 80 points.

Amami-san and Nozomu looked ecstatic because they managed to reach the target that Umi and I set for them. Depending on the subject, they might be able to at least get an average score.

Everyone worked hard for this, I hope our efforts pay off in the end.

* * *

Now that the first day of the exam is over, I would love to rest for a while, but I still have a lot of things to do.

After the sun had set completely, I headed toward the designated place to meet my dad. It had been a while since I went outside alone. Ive been going out with Umi and Amami-san recently.

I wore my uniform today. I could wear more casual clothes, but I just wanted to look tidy for the visiting day.

Also, since Umi and Amami-san had been teaching me about fashion, Ive come to understand how lame my clothes looked on me.

I waited at the restaurants entrance for a few minutes, before an expensive-looking car pulled up to the parking lot. I recognized the car, it was owned by my dads company. His subordinate who wasnt Minato-san seemed to be driving him here.

Sorry, Maki. Im a bit late.

Its okay, I just arrived. Do you have another job to do after this, dad?

Something like that I told them to spare me some time for today, but nope, they told me to take care of something that suddenly came up Well, dont worry about it, I got enough time for us to have a meal together.

We entered the restaurant and the waiter showed us a seat at the far end. The seat was placed behind a pillar and it seemed isolated. That was a good thing though, I didnt want anyone to overhear what we were going to talk about.

Im hungry, so lets order some food first. What do you want to eat, Maki?

Ill take the A5 wagyu beef steak, fried prawns and extra rice. For dessert, strawberry parfait sounds good

You arent holding back, are you? My shy Maki has grown

Its been months since we last met, dad. I just wanna see the magic you wield with that credit card.

Well, I havent used it much these days Might as well, huh? Alright, were gonna eat a lot of food tonight.

Dad ordered a sirloin steak set. While waiting for the food to arrive, we prepared everything we needed from the drink and soup counter.

Its been a week since I last saw you, Maki, but you seemed more mature than before.

My weight increased, thats all.

Right. You used to be skinny. You still need to gain more weight though. Eat a lot of meat and youll bulk up in no time.

Im not going to play any sports, I dont need to get bigger

He was the same old dad. He always acted cheerful in front of me.

But I knew that there was a part of him that changed.

Well, before I bring that up, I should eat first.

The food tasted really good.

The meat was so juicy and it would be unfair to compare it to the meat I usually ate. The prawns were also delicious, hell, even the rice was tasty.

If I had the money, I should bring Umi here.

Dad, may I ask you something?

Hm?

After I ate everything except the dessert, I decided to start a conversation.

The question that I wanted to ask was the same question I had asked mom the other day.

Dad, do you still love mom?

Why are you asking this?

Im just curious.

Well, no, I dont think I have those feelings toward her anymore

He answered quickly.

I knew my dad well. Sometimes he would hesitate, but once he made up his mind about something, he would be very clear about it.

I still respect her, of course. After all, she worked hard as both a wife to me and a mother to you, I really admired her. But, that doesnt mean we can live together again.

What about me then?

Thats a different story. Maki, youre my precious son. Do you know that we actually got into a huge fight to take custody of you?

In other words, both mom and dad were trying to take me with them.

He still loved and cared for me, that feeling of him didnt change, but he still chose to divorce mom

That was how bad their relationship turned, I guess

Did you stop loving mom because of Minato-san, dad?

I steeled my resolve and asked that.

His expression hardened, but it quickly returned to normal as he let out a heavy sigh.

So it really was you on Saturday

You noticed?

Of course. No matter how hard you try to change your atmosphere, youre still my precious son. I would notice you from miles away.

The reason why he didnt call me out was probably because he was being considerate to Minato-san and Umi.

I guess I underestimated him.

Then, whats up with you and Minato-san, dad?

Firstly, I swear to you that I only started seeing her outside of work after I divorced your mother. Before that I only treated her as a capable subordinate And things happened

According to him, they started dating around a month after the divorce. Dad didnt announce that he was divorced or anything, but apparently Minato-san came to know about it by chance. She noticed the documents related to his divorce inside the general affairs department of their company. After that, she immediately confessed her feelings to him and after this and that, they got together.

If this was truly the case then, there was nothing I could do about it.

Do you love Minato-san?

Well, she had been working with me and she understood the hardships Ive been through. Since six months ago, she has been supporting me with her all

So, you do love her

You can think of it like that, I dont mind.

Do you love her, or not? Which is it, dad?

Jeez, yes, I love her.

It was unusual for him to make excuses like this.

Why didnt he just say it clearly?

I had no intention to act selfishly and try to bring them both together.

I just wanted to know the truth.

Is he hiding something? Hes acting quite suspiciously.

Is it about something related to Minato-san? Or is it something else?

Maki.

Yes?

Ive noticed it since I last saw you, but your hand feels really rough You should put on some hand cream before you go to bed.

Eh?

Well, I have to go now, my subordinate is waiting for me. See you later, Maki.

Wait, dad, Im not done yet.

Just as I got up from my seat to hold my father back, a high-pitched scream echoed through the entire floor of the restaurant.

What the hell?! Are you serious?! No way!

What?

Everyone, including myself, was looking at a female student who was dressed in a familiar high school uniform.

Nitta-san?

Ugh, Rep? Why are you here?

The girl was my classmate, Nitta-san.