In the world of Advanced Nurturing High School, the hierarchy is everything.
It's a place where status and power are determined not just by one's academic excellence, but by their ability to navigate the complex social structure.
A place where subt...
I arrived home, returning from the office. As I entered the living room, my daughter Keiko greeted me, "Welcome back, Dad" in her usual manner, but her tone was noticeably subdued today.
"What's with the long face?" I inquired, draping my coat over the back of the couch before taking a seat next to Keiko, who was reclining on the sofa.
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Keiko shifted slightly, placing her head on my lap, and replied, "It's boringgggg... Now, Kyo-nii is gone for three years too..."
"Akio will be back in a year, though,"I reassured her, gently patting her head.
"Ugh... An year is still long..." She pouted.
I hummed, continuing to stroke her head as she rested it on my lap. Kei and I were usually occupied with work, and Keiko had spent most of her time with her brothers. It was only natural that she wouldn't take their absences well. Even when Akio had left for ANHS, Keiko had felt like this, but with Kyo still around, she had returned to her usual self within a week.
However, this time, Kyo was also gone, leaving us wondering how long it would take for her to adjust.
Lost in thought, I heard familiar footsteps descending the stairs.
"Ah, Kiyotaka, you're back early today," Kei, my wife, exclaimed as she approached, glancing at Keiko. "She's been like this since Kyo and you left for ANHS."
As Kei explained, Keiko nestled deeper into my lap, attempting to hide her face by pressing it against my stomach. I continued to pat her gently.
"Keiko, let Dad rest. Did you finish your homework? You have school tomorrow!" Kei admonished, hands on her hips.
Keiko remained obstinate and groaned.
"Keiko, complete your homework. After dinner, I promise we'll go out for ice cream,"I coaxed. Keiko's ears perked up at the mention of ice cream; she was definitely my daughter.
"I want a special, large chocolate chip one," she declared.
I heard Kei's protest from behind. "Kiyotaka!! No..."
Ignoring Kei's words, I replied to Keiko, "Deal."
"Yaattaaaa!!!"Keiko jumped up and happily hummed as she rushed to her room.
"Her mood changes faster than anything," I muttered, sensing Kei's glare.
"K.I.Y.O.T.A.K.A!!!"
"Wait, Kei... I..."
"You know, Keiko has a sensitive nose. She catches a cold easily, yet you promised her ice cream tonight, not to mention a special, large one!"
"It will be fine... I guess?" I replied, still receiving the glare from Kei.
Sighing, Kei sat next to him and said, "You didn't have to promise her ice cream just to change her mood."
"I just thought it would be okay, since she also like Icecream"
