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Chapter 27 – Father's Words
The next morning, the warm sunlight slipped through the curtains of the Horikita residence. Birds chirped faintly outside as Manabu Horikita stood before his mirror, fixing his tie with his usual calm precision. He looked sharp and composed — the very image of a young CEO.
But even a man like him couldn't shake off the slight exhaustion from last night's grand party. He took a slow breath, brushing back his hair when a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
> "Good morning, Manabu."
Turning around, he saw his father standing by the door, holding a cup of tea with a faint smile.
> "Good morning, Dad," Manabu greeted politely.
His father walked in, placing the cup on the table before sitting down on the edge of Manabu's bed. There was a lighthearted yet serious look in his eyes — one that immediately told Manabu this wasn't a casual visit.
> "You know," his father began with a teasing smile, "I wasn't joking yesterday when I said you should start thinking about getting married."
Manabu froze for a second, his calm mask cracking slightly.
> "Dad…" he sighed, adjusting his tie again as if to distract himself. "We can talk about that later. I'm already running late for work."
But his father didn't back down. He simply smiled wider, that knowing fatherly smile that could see through any excuse.
> "No, we'll talk now," he said firmly, though his tone remained kind.
"I know about that girl — what was her name again? Akane Tachibana, right?"
Manabu's eyes widened slightly, his composure slipping completely for the first time.
> "How… how do you know about her?"
His father chuckled, clearly enjoying the reaction.
> "Manabu, I'm your father. You think I wouldn't know who my son's heart beats faster for?"
Manabu sighed deeply, realizing escape was impossible. He sat down beside his father, leaning forward slightly.
> "She's from a middle-class family," he admitted quietly.
"Are you really okay with that?"
His father smiled warmly and patted his shoulder.
> "Of course I am. Your mother and I both are."
Manabu turned to look at him, a bit surprised by how naturally his father said it.
> "You see," his father continued, "we don't care about status, Manabu. What matters is if she's a good person — someone who understands you, supports you, and can handle your stubbornness."
Manabu chuckled faintly.
> "You make it sound like I'm impossible to deal with."
His father gave him a mock serious look.
> "You are. That's why I'm glad to hear Suzune say Akane Tachibana was your assistant back in the Advanced Nurturing High School. If she could deal with you during those days, then she's already proven her strength."
Manabu blinked, surprised again.
> "Suzune… told you that?"
His father nodded proudly.
> "Yes. She said Akane was hardworking, disciplined, and admired you a lot — though she never said it out loud."
Manabu's expression softened. Memories of Akane's calm smile, her quiet support, and the way she always stayed late to finish reports flashed through his mind.
> "I see…" he murmured.
His father leaned back with a satisfied grin.
> "So, what are you waiting for? You're not a teenager anymore. If you like her, don't overthink it. Go talk to her. Life isn't always about logic and plans, son — sometimes, it's about taking a step before the moment passes."
Manabu looked at his father for a long moment, then nodded slowly.
> "You're right, Dad."
His father smiled, stood up, and patted his shoulder once more before walking to the door.
> "I always am."
As the door closed, Manabu looked out the window. The morning sun was bright, golden light filling his room. For the first time in years, he felt a small warmth in his chest that wasn't from work, success, or ambition — it was something simpler, quieter.
He pulled out his phone, staring at Akane Tachibana's name in his contacts list. After a few seconds of hesitation, he typed a short message:
> "Good morning, Tachibana. Are you free for dinner tonight?"
He stared at the screen for a moment… then hit send.
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