The Story of the Seven

CHAPTER 25 - Back to the Present

-Back to Haturo POV, Present-day-

"...Oh. My. God." (Haruto)

"So that's the story of Mafuyu's past and how we adopted her. Don't go telling anyone, and don't bring this up with Mafuyu, alright?" (Mafuyu's mother)

"Oh, of course not. But wait, why did you suddenly accept Mafuyu after all that resisting? That part seemed really abrupt."

"Oh, that's complicated; perhaps a story for another day. There's a ton of backstory, so it's not appropriate to speak of it now."

Mafuyu's father hastily retorted while Mafuyu's mother went slightly pale.

"Urm, alright."

Haruto decided to stay quiet of this, as he sensed that the "backstory" was an intimate story concerning Mafuyu's mother, and she seemed like she didn't even want to remember whatever happened.

"So..... Why does Mafuyu like me again?"

"She took a liking of you because you reminded her of the few positive childhood memories she had." (Mafuyu's Dad)

"Really? I'm surprised – the only thing positive about the whole story was when that woman saved her, and when you guys adopted her. And the part of the woman saving her? That wasn't really happy since she died in the end."

"Yeah, I know you're confused, but I know my daughter's a very confusing child – even I can hardly figure out what goes on her head. But if you be her friend, perhaps she'll tell you everything eventually." (Mafuyu's mother)

"Well, I'll try my best – you can count on me to take care of your daughter."

"Do be sensitive – you're literally her first friend and I'm pretty sure Mafuyu's freaking out over taking this huge risk." (Mafuyu's dad)

"And while you're at it, I overheard Mafuyu talking about wanting to take you home, as well. So just remember you're invited to our house any time – and here's the key. You're part of our family, after all, right, onii-san?" (Mafuyu's mother)

"Okay, that's just creepy hearing you call me onii-san and all."

"What, you want me to call you onii-chan?"

"Did you eat something bad or what? This is so out of your character, and I'm low key freaking out right now."

"I did not! I can be funny sometimes to, you know? Sorry!"

"Hahahaha – it isn't every day someone can get my wife all flustered."

"I'm revoking you allowance!"

"What? Where in the world did that come from?"

"As punishment! You aren't allowed to make your wife look stupid!"

"I'm just having good natured fun, you know."

"This is one happy couple :)" (Haruto)

"Shut up!" (The Happy Couple)

The loud banter continued throughout the day, until Mafuyu came back home and promptly got in a huge argument with her mother.......

So readers, I assume you are all caught up?

Now, shall we proceed with our story?

CHAPTER NINE

"Ugh..."

I rubbed my eyes in exhaustion. Spending all day on a "Low-Budget Gothic Lolita" shopping spree, I was truly winded from searching store after store for the best value prices of clothes. And not just "clothes;" I had to specifically look at the best value prices of each piece of Lolita faction – best value frock, best value leggings, best value Gothic makeup, etc.