kiyopapa x mamasuzune

family

The morning started quietly, with Suzune and Kiyotaka sharing a peaceful breakfast with Kiyo and Suz, who were excited for another day at school. Suz was especially eager, bouncing on her chair, and Kiyo kept glancing at his father, hoping for last-minute advice for the day ahead.

After dropping the twins off at school, Suzune and Kiyotaka returned to the house, only to be greeted by an unexpected knock on the door. Opening it, Suzune's calm demeanor shifted as she saw her parents standing on the doorstep.

Her mother's gaze lingered as she crossed the threshold, with her father beside her, his expression unreadable. "Suzune," her mother began, taking a deep breath. "We're here because we... wanted to settle things regarding the children."

Suzune narrowed her eyes, her skepticism evident. "And what does that mean?"

Her mother exchanged a glance with her father, who nodded solemnly before continuing, "It means we're willing to stop trying to gain custody of Kiyo and Suz. But we thought it only fair that you understand why we've been so persistent."

Suzune's curiosity was piqued, but her face remained guarded. Her mother went on, her tone softer but still businesslike. "One of our company's largest investors, a very influential man, has shown repeated interest in arranging a marriage between his grandchildren and your children when they're of age. It's an arrangement that could ensure stability for generations and elevate our company's standing immeasurably. And...," she paused, eyeing Suzune cautiously, "he also made it clear that he'd be interested in you joining his family, Suzune, if you were open to it."

Kiyotaka observed the tense exchange, his expression carefully neutral. He could see the anger simmering beneath Suzune's composed exterior. "So, you're saying," Suzune replied slowly, "that you're only after my children to further your business goals. And, if I... didn't have a family, you would ask me to marry this man's son?"

Her father sighed, hands in his pockets as he finally met her gaze. "If you'd considered it, it might have helped mend the ties between us, Suzune. This was all about what's best for our future, and in turn, yours."

Suzune clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with anger. "I've already chosen what's best for me and my family. I have no interest in being part of an arrangement that disregards my happiness. Or the happiness of Kiyo and Suz."

Her parents exchanged glances, a mixture of disappointment and resignation in their eyes, before finally retreating. "Then we'll leave it," her mother said quietly, before stepping back to leave.

As the door shut, Suzune's shoulders slumped, and she exhaled deeply. Kiyotaka, who had remained silent throughout the encounter, finally spoke, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Don't worry. I expected them to try this, and we're already covered."

Suzune looked at him, her anger dissipating as she registered his calm confidence. "What do you mean?"

"My father had already anticipated their approach and made it clear to their investor that the arrangement wouldn't be happening," Kiyotaka explained. "They won't trouble us again."

Relief washed over Suzune's face as she relaxed, a small smile breaking through her serious expression. "Thank you, Kiyotaka," she murmured, reaching for his hand.

Just then, the front door opened, and in walked Kiyotaka's father, Professor Ayanokoji, with Kiyo and Suz in tow. The twins looked pleased with themselves, and Suz wasted no time before hopping onto her father's lap, her tiny face lighting up as she gazed up at him.

"How did training go today?" Kiyotaka asked, his tone gentle as he ruffled Suz's hair.

"Good!" Suz chimed, beaming proudly. Kiyo nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the same pride as he stood beside Suzune, seeking her approval.

Professor Ayanokoji observed the children with a nod. "Better than I expected," he remarked, a rare hint of admiration in his voice. It wasn't often that he showed open approval, and the acknowledgment made both children glow with pride.

Suz turned to Kiyotaka, eyes shining. "Daddy, can I have some ice cream to celebrate?"

Suzune frowned, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Suz, it's almost dinnertime. Maybe later."

Kiyotaka, however, gave his daughter an affectionate smile before sneaking a wink at her. "Just a little bit, then," he said, ignoring Suzune's raised eyebrow as he passed Suz a small bowl of her favorite flavor.

Suzune was about to scold Kiyotaka, but before she could get the words out, he took a scoop of ice cream and popped it into her mouth, catching her off guard. She blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing as she tasted the cold sweetness on her tongue. Suz and Kiyo both burst into laughter at their mother's surprised expression, and even Professor Ayanokoji seemed mildly amused.

With a playful smile, Kiyotaka leaned over and planted a soft kiss on Suzune's lips, causing Suz to let out a small, indignant sound. "I want a kiss too, Daddy!"

Kiyotaka chuckled, shaking his head. "Kisses are just for Mommy."

Suz let out a pout, crossing her arms and letting out an exaggerated "Hmmph!" which only made her parents laugh.