Although Kurokawa Aoi's invitation was somewhat sudden, she actively mentioned Senior Superintendent Kurokawa Osamu, whom Michiya Gōshin had met before, making it difficult for the young man to find a way to respond smoothly.
In this situation, Michiya Gōshin's first thought was to politely decline.
At this moment, Kurokawa Akane flusteredly raised her head and whispered a protest, "Mom! It's already late, Yu-kun is..."
She didn't want to let the person she liked fall into an even more awkward situation, especially under these circumstances of being "caught red-handed."
"What do you mean late? It's just past ten-thirty."
Kurokawa Aoi interrupted her daughter with a beaming smile, her gaze circulating over Michiya Gōshin, becoming more satisfied the more she looked.
"Michiya-kun brought you all this way; he must be tired. Come in and drink a bowl of hot miso soup to warm up your body before leaving; it's not too late. I happened to make extra today."
As she spoke, she turned sideways to clear a path. Her posture was exactly as if she were treating Michiya Gōshin as a "future son-in-law" who needed to be entertained well.
Once these words were spoken, it immediately made it even harder for Michiya Gōshin to back down.
Refusing an elder's kindness—especially one so enthusiastic who had just walked in on intimate behavior with her daughter—would seem too rude, both emotionally and logically.
He glanced at Kurokawa Akane beside him, whose cheeks were crimson and whose eyes held a plea for help. He sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn't dodge this hurdle tonight.
After a moment, Michiya Gōshin quickly organized his mood, put a proper smile back on his face, and bowed slightly.
"Then... I will intrude for a moment."
"Not an intrusion, not an intrusion. Please, come in." Kurokawa Aoi waved her hands repeatedly, her face full of smiles.
At the entryway, following Kurokawa Akane's whispered guidance, Michiya Gōshin took off his shoes, placed them neatly in the shoe cabinet, and changed into a pair of dark blue guest slippers.
Stepping inside, a scent mixed with the smell of food and a cozy family atmosphere rushed toward him.
The three-member Kurokawa family lived in a standard high-end detached house. It possessed a typical residential layout where the living room connected to the dining room; the space was spacious, spotless, and organized.
Several landscape watercolors with delicate brushwork hung on the beige walls. Green plants were placed in the corners, and a soft knitted blanket was casually draped over the sofa. Everywhere revealed the hostess's delicate taste in life and the warm atmosphere of this family.
This was distinctly different from the cold sternness of many modern apartments, causing Michiya Gōshin's nerves, which were slightly taut from nervousness, to unconsciously relax a bit.
"Come, come, Michiya-kun, sit over here."
Kurokawa Aoi enthusiastically guided Michiya Gōshin to sit on the sofa in the living room, then immediately turned toward the open kitchen. "Akane, hurry and pour a cup of tea for Michiya-kun. I'll go heat up the soup."
The next moment, as if receiving a pardon, Kurokawa Akane immediately responded and almost trotted off to prepare the tea, temporarily escaping her mother's smiling eyes that seemed capable of seeing through everything.
Michiya Gōshin had no choice but to sit properly on the sofa, his gaze sweeping quickly and unobtrusively across the living room.
He could feel that this home was full of life, but it seemed to lack a bit of the strong presence belonging to a male head of the household.
After thinking for a moment, Michiya Gōshin quickly understood. After all, Kurokawa Akane's father was a Senior Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Department. His work was extremely busy, and he didn't spend much time at home. Her mother, Kurokawa Aoi, appeared to be a woman with a cheerful personality and great taste, capable of managing the household in an orderly fashion even when her husband wasn't home.
Soon, Kurokawa Aoi walked over carrying a steaming bowl of miso soup that emitted a rich aroma of beans and the savory smell of beef. She placed it carefully on the coffee table in front of Michiya Gōshin.
"Here, Michiya-kun, drink it while it's hot. The weather is a bit cool today; warm your stomach."
Her tone was full of an elder's care, and her gaze swept back and forth over Michiya Gōshin's handsome face.
Almost simultaneously, Kurokawa Akane also brought over a cup of brewed sencha and placed it gently beside the soup bowl. She stole a glance at Michiya Gōshin, her eyes holding a trace of apology, as well as a hint of sweet shyness she hadn't even noticed herself.
After all, Michiya Gōshin had initiated the kiss just now, and today's visit had further closed the distance between the two.
"Thank you so much, Auntie."
Michiya Gōshin accepted it with both hands and thanked her politely. The warmth transmitted from the bowl wall indeed dispelled some of the night's chill and his inner nervousness.
Then, Kurokawa Aoi took the opportunity to sit on the single sofa nearby. She clasped her hands on her lap, her face wearing unabashed interest, and began her "mother-in-law" style interrogation.
"Michiya-kun, to tell you the truth, I'm actually a fan of yours!"
Kurokawa Aoi went straight to the point, her eyes smiling into curved crescents.
"I watched that drama 49 that you and Akane filmed before over and over again! The male student you played in it was truly too outstanding! Although the image was somewhat frivolous, you acted with special nuance. I told Akane back then that this young man is incredible and will definitely achieve great things in the future!"
Michiya Gōshin was made somewhat embarrassed by this straightforward praise. He lowered his eyes slightly and responded humbly.
"Auntie, you flatter me. That was the result of the director's guidance and the joint efforts of everyone in the crew. I still have a lot to learn."
"Oh my, stop being humble."
Kurokawa Aoi waved her hand, her interest rising even higher. "Later, when you and Akane went to participate in that program, Love is a Life Mandatory Course... Oh my, I didn't miss a single episode! Seeing the interactions between you and Akane in it, I felt that you two really look well-matched standing together!"
"This..."
As she spoke, she glanced pointedly at her daughter, who wished she could bury her face in her teacup nearby. The smile on her face deepened.
"This child Akane has had a mind of her own since she was little. Once she sets her mind on something, ten bulls can't pull her back. Since she entered the entertainment circle, although her father and I worry, we also support her. Seeing that Michiya-kun and she... well, get along so well, I'm relieved."
The hint in these words couldn't be more obvious.
Kurokawa Aoi clearly believed that her daughter had successfully "captured" Michiya Gōshin, and the scene in the courtyard tonight was the best proof.
Therefore, she naturally adopted the attitude of "a mother-in-law looking at a son-in-law, liking him more the more she looks." Her words were full of appreciation for Michiya Gōshin's talent and approval of his relationship with her daughter.
Michiya Gōshin could only maintain a polite yet slightly awkward smile, nodding in agreement from time to time. He scooped up a spoonful of miso soup and sent it into his mouth; the delicious taste spread over the tip of his tongue, yet it couldn't completely wash away the complex emotions in his heart at this moment.
He glimpsed Kurokawa Akane sitting restlessly on the side, her cheeks as red as ripe apples. She wanted to open her mouth to interrupt her mother several times but didn't know how to butt in, so she could only desperately use her eyes to transmit signals of "I'm sorry" and "Think of a way to end this quickly" to him.
"Mom! Stop talking!"
Finally, after another ten minutes or so, when Kurokawa Aoi began recalling funny stories from Kurokawa Akane's childhood in an attempt to build a closer relationship, Akane couldn't bear it anymore and interrupted with a flushed face.
"Yu-kun has work tomorrow; he has to get up very early. We can't delay his rest any longer!"
As she spoke, she stood up, adopting a posture of seeing the guest out.
Kurokawa Aoi looked at the clock on the wall and seemed to realize that it was indeed getting late. Although she was still eager to continue, she spoke considerately.
"Ah, that's true. Michiya-kun works hard; he should go back to rest early."
She also stood up, her face still wearing a genial smile. "Then I won't keep you longer today. Come visit the house often when you have time in the future, Michiya-kun."
Michiya Gōshin felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. He immediately put down the soup bowl he had drunk half of, stood up, and bowed solemnly to Kurokawa Aoi to say goodbye.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality, Auntie. The miso soup was very delicious. Since it's late, I won't disturb you further."
Kurokawa Akane also hurriedly picked up Michiya Gōshin's coat, preparing to see him out.
However, just as the three walked toward the entryway and Michiya Gōshin was preparing to change into his own shoes, the sound of a key being inserted into the lock hole and turning came from the entryway.
Click.
The door was pushed open from the outside.
A figure walked in, carrying a faint smell of smoke and the chill of the outdoor night.
The newcomer was tall and upright, wearing a well-fitted dark suit with a high-quality trench coat over it. Although his face bore a trace of fatigue that was hard to conceal, those eyes, sharp as a falcon's, still radiated unquestionable authority and insight.
His gaze habitually swept over the entryway. When he saw the pair of men's leather shoes on the floor—young and fashionable in style, clearly not belonging to a family member—his eyes instantly became as sharp as searchlights.
It was precisely Kurokawa Akane's father, the Senior Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Department—Kurokawa Osamu.
"Dad?!"
"Didn't you say you had to work overtime and would be back very late today?"
Kurokawa Akane spoke in surprise, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible nervousness.
Kurokawa Osamu did not answer his daughter immediately. His gaze passed over her and landed on Michiya Gōshin, who was standing inside the entryway holding his coat, his expression slightly stiff.
"Oh, originally there was a thorny case that required overnight interrogation."
Kurokawa Osamu's voice was deep, carrying an authority formed by holding a leadership position for a long time. His tone was flat but full of oppression.
"But the suspect confessed early today, so the follow-up work can be handed over to subordinates. I came back first."
As he spoke, he took off his leather shoes and changed into indoor slippers. His movements were unhurried, yet every step carried invisible pressure.
"Kurokawa-san, good evening."
Michiya Gōshin chose to greet him first, his tone very polite.
"Mn."
Kurokawa Osamu grunted an acknowledgement, not giving much of a reply.
At this moment, seeing the situation, his wife Kurokawa Aoi immediately piled smiles onto her face. In a tone carrying obvious joy and a "you know what this means" implication, she cheerfully spoke up to smooth things over.
"Oh my, dear, you came back just in time. We have a guest today. Michiya-kun came over specifically with Akane to visit the house."
Hearing this, Kurokawa Osamu's expression didn't change much. He just narrowed those sharp eyes slightly and looked at Michiya Gōshin again, his tone revealing neither anger nor happiness.
"Michiya-kun, did you not have work today?"
"I had a day off today. I went to a concert with Kurokawa in the afternoon, then dropped her back and stopped by to visit Auntie."
"So that's how it is."
Kurokawa Osamu nodded, then quietly stared at Michiya Gōshin for a few seconds with those eyes that seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts. That silent pressure made Kurokawa Akane, who was standing nearby, so nervous that her palms were sweating.
Then, he made an unexpected move.
He tilted his head slightly toward Michiya Gōshin, motioning in the direction of the courtyard. His tone was unquestionable.
"Michiya-kun, if it's convenient, shall we go outside and chat for a bit?"
It wasn't an inquiry; it was an invitation bordering on a command.
The next moment, Kurokawa Akane's face instantly went pale, and she subconsciously wanted to speak up: "Dad!"
Kurokawa Aoi was also stunned for a moment, but she immediately pulled her daughter's arm and shook her head gently at her, signaling her not to interfere.
She understood her husband and knew he had a sense of propriety in doing things, even if his methods might be a bit direct.
"Okay."
Michiya Gōshin wasn't that nervous. After his conversation with Kurokawa Osamu last time, he knew the other party was a very organized person.
Thus, he glanced at the worried Kurokawa Akane, giving her a reassuring look, then turned to Kurokawa Osamu and nodded calmly.
"Alright, Kurokawa-san."
One after the other, the two walked into the courtyard bathed in cold moonlight again. Distinctly different from the tender atmosphere just moments ago, the air at this moment seemed to carry heavy factors.
Kurokawa Osamu stopped in the center of the courtyard and turned around, facing Michiya Gōshin. He didn't beat around the bush; he went straight to the point, his voice low and clear, carrying the prudence and severity belonging to a law enforcer.
"Michiya-kun, I am a person who doesn't like to beat around the bush. You should still remember what I said to you last time, right?"
"Yes, I still remember, Kurokawa-san."
"Good."
Kurokawa Osamu's gaze pressed upon Michiya Gōshin like a physical substance.
"Since you visited with Akane today, and even chatted with her mother for a while, can I tentatively assume... that you and Akane are currently in a serious relationship with marriage in mind?"
The man's question left almost no room for maneuvering, which befitted his status as a Senior Superintendent and his personality—accustomed to striking directly at the vital point.
Facing Kurokawa Osamu's extremely oppressive gaze, Michiya Gōshin did not answer this question immediately.
He knew that a simple "yes" at this moment might temporarily appease the other party, but that would be a deception and irresponsibility toward Kurokawa Akane, toward himself, and toward the father before him.
Moreover, since he had already solidified his thoughts, he could speak them out very calmly instead.
Thus, Michiya Gōshin fell silent for a few seconds. In this brief silence, the moonlight elongated the shadows of the two men, as if engaging in a silent confrontation.
After a while, he raised his head. His eyes were clear and honest, without the slightest evasion.
"Kurokawa-san, I am very grateful for Akane's feelings, and I cherish the affection between us. However, regarding the future... regarding marriage, I currently may not be able to immediately give a promise that satisfies you."
As soon as these words came out, Kurokawa Osamu's brows furrowed instantly. His eyes became sharper, even carrying a trace of coldness.
Michiya Gōshin didn't pause; he continued speaking, his tone sincere and firm.
"Because I am currently striving to choose a path... a path that might seem somewhat rebellious in your eyes, but one I truly want to explore. This path is filled with uncertainty. Before I have enough ability and assurance to ensure I can give the other party a stable and happy future, I do not want to lightly make promises I cannot be certain of."
He didn't specify what this "new path" was, but the seriousness and prudence in his words were clearly conveyed.
Kurokawa Osamu stared at him. After a long while, he suddenly let out a short sound of ambiguous meaning, bordering on a laugh of anger.
"Heh... A new path? Michiya-kun, you have quite the nerve."
His tone carried a trace of mockery, as well as a trace of surprise. "In front of me, when I explicitly asked if you are dating my daughter with marriage in mind, you tell me you are looking for an uncertain new path? Do you know that based on your words just now, I could completely consider that you are toying with my daughter's feelings?"
Powerful oppression surged like a tide; it was the unique aura of someone who had occupied a high position and been a law enforcer for a long time.
Michiya Gōshin's back was straight. He looked deeply at Kurokawa Osamu, his gaze not retreating in the slightest.
"Kurokawa-san, precisely because you are Akane's father, a family member she cares about and respects, I believe I must be honest with you. Assuming I were an irresponsible person who only wanted to toy with feelings, I could easily use sweet words to deceive Akane, and I could also pretend to agree with you here, making all sorts of guarantees. But that would be an insult to Akane, and disrespect to you."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a decisive strength.
"I am telling you my true thoughts and situation now because I hope you can understand that I am not being unserious; I just need to choose more cautiously. Also, please... keep this a secret for me temporarily. Do not tell these words directly to Akane. I don't wish for her to feel uneasy or pressured because of this."
After listening to these words, Kurokawa Osamu fell silent.
His sharp gaze patrolled Michiya Gōshin's face, seeming to evaluate the authenticity of these words, evaluating his courage and sense of responsibility.
"You say it's an uncertain path; could it be that you want to... have feet in multiple boats?"
As a Senior Superintendent, the knowledgeable Kurokawa Osamu immediately pressed the question.
"..."
Michiya Gōshin fell silent for a moment. After all, saying he wanted to do such a thing right in front of her father's face was still too risky.
The atmosphere between the two congealed further, but in the next moment, the man opposite him spoke again.
"It seems... I guessed right. Michiya-kun, you really are a man with a lot of guts."
Seeing that he didn't answer immediately, Kurokawa Osamu smiled again instead, then spoke slowly.
"Michiya Gōshin, tell me. How do you think you can make me agree to your idea with your current state? I really want to hear it."
This was a question that struck directly at the soul.
Michiya Gōshin took a deep breath of the slightly cool night air. His eyes became incomparably bright and firm under the moonlight. He met Kurokawa Osamu's scrutinizing gaze and spoke clearly and powerfully, word by word.
"I dare not say I have the qualification now, but I will strive to reach that step. To walk to a point where everyone has to face me squarely, has to acknowledge me, and even... has to revere me. When that time comes, I think I should have enough qualification and ability to undertake the responsibilities I want to undertake, and to protect the people and future I want to protect."
There was no arrogance in his words. After all, this road was not far; he had already stepped onto it steadily.
Kurokawa Osamu fell silent again.
He gazed at Michiya Gōshin for a long time, as if wanting to see through to the base color of his soul through his eyes.
The night was quiet, with only the rustling sound of wind blowing through the leaves.
Meanwhile, Kurokawa Akane and her mother were inside the house, looking somewhat nervously through the window at the two confronting each other in the courtyard.
"Heh, interesting."
Finally, the tight lines on Kurokawa Osamu's face seemed to loosen a fraction. A complex light flashed past his eyes.
"If anyone else said this, I would only think he was a smooth-talking liar, then send him into Tokyo Bay to wash his brain."
"But..."
Kurokawa Osamu looked at Michiya Gōshin. "Michiya-kun, did you know? Actually, I investigated you a long time ago."
"Hmm?"
"From when you officially started acting, including the later struggle with Johnny & Associates, and intervening in the Nenshi matter," Kurokawa Osamu began to recount the intelligence he possessed. "You indeed have great ability, and great talent."
"Whether acting or writing, both of these are talents that more than ninety percent of ordinary people do not possess."
"So, I feel that the words you speak are not empty talk."
The corners of Kurokawa Osamu's mouth seemed to hook up into an extremely tiny, almost invisible arc. "However, if you want to walk to the point where everyone acknowledges you, or even reveres you... that road is not that easy."
"I will keep working hard. Furthermore, I currently have another direction I'm pushing forward."
"What direction?"
"I also plan to write songs later."
"..."
Kurokawa Osamu was slightly stunned, but he didn't feel too surprised. He looked up at Michiya Gōshin's face again.
"Good."
"Michiya-kun, I appreciate your honesty and ambition, but the real world won't give you an indefinite amount of time to prepare."
His tone returned to the decisiveness of a Senior Superintendent, his eyes like lightning.
"How about this. I'll give you about five years. Within five years, if you can achieve what you said—walk to that position where everyone acknowledges and even reveres you—then that proves you have the ability to give my daughter a stable and reliable future."
"At that time, I will no longer interfere in the matter between you and Akane."
"But if you can't do it, then you can't blame me. Even if Akane likes you, I won't tolerate this kind of thing."
"Well, do you dare to agree to this pact?"
________________________________________
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