The drive to Ayane's apartment took forever. Each minute stretched out, making the journey feel like slow torture as he headed toward what would surely be a beautiful disaster. His heart pounded when he knocked on her door. "Hey, my stepsisters and I are here."
The door flew open. Ayane stood there looking incredible. No cosplay today, no comfortable weeb attire either. She'd chosen a simple blue dress that fell to her knees. It was modest and classy, hugging her curves perfectly. Her hair hung in soft waves, and she'd kept her makeup subtle. She looked exactly like the kind of girl you'd proudly introduce to your parents.
But her eyes told a different story. They blazed with desperate anxiety. "Thank god," she breathed. She grabbed his arm and yanked him inside. "They're early. They're already here."
She pulled him into the living room, and there they sat. Her parents.
Her father stood tall in a perfectly tailored suit. His stern face wore an expression of polite disapproval. Her mother was small and elegant, with a smile that seemed too bright, too forced.
On the couch sat the "rich idiot," looking smug and ridiculously handsome with his golden hair, in a designer suit that probably cost more than Makoto's car. His smile radiated pure smarm.
Everyone looked up when he entered. The silence hit like a physical force.
Makoto bowed politely to her parents, letting a fond smile cross his face. "It's nice to see you, sir, madam. You must be Ayane's parents?" He took Ayane's hand in his. "And I'm her boyfriend. We met in college."
Ayane's father grunted. His eyes swept over Makoto in a cold assessment, taking in the simple but well-fitting clothes and polite demeanor. His expression shifted from outright disapproval to something more neutral. He was waiting to be impressed.
Her mother's face brightened, and her smile became less forced. "Oh, it's so lovely to finally meet you!" Her voice came out a bit loud loud. "Ayane has told us... well, she hasn't told us much, but I'm sure you're wonderful!"
The rich idiot, whose name turned out to be Kaiji, smirked. It was slow and arrogant. "A boyfriend, huh?" His voice came out as an amused purr. "I didn't know you were slumming it, Ayane-chan."
Right then, Yuna and Mika appeared in the doorway. They looked like the sweetest, most innocent little stepsisters imaginable.
"Big brother?" Yuna whispered timidly. "Is this Ayane-san's house? It's very clean." Mika smiled shyly and gave a small wave.
Ayane's parents looked at them, and their faces transformed. The disapproval and forced cheer melted away, replaced by genuine warmth. "Oh, my goodness," Ayane's mother said softly. "And you brought your sisters! How sweet!"
Makoto winked at Ayane, a playful glint in his eye. "Yeah, our parents are quite busy, so I take care of them most of the time. They're a bit clingy, but they're sweet." He looked at the girls, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And they love when Ayane comes over to play."
Ayane's mother practically melted. "Oh, you poor thing!" She looked at him with deep admiration. "Are you taking care of your little sisters all by yourself? What a wonderful, responsible young man!"
Her father's stern expression cracked slightly. A flicker of respect appeared in his eyes. He gave a single, slow nod.
Ayane seized the moment brilliantly. She beamed and looped her arm through his. They made the perfect picture of a happy couple. "They're the best," she said. "Yuna-chan is teaching me all about her favorite video games."
Right on cue, Yuna latched onto his free arm with surprising strength. She looked up at Ayane with wide, innocent eyes. "Ayane-neechan is very kind," she said sweetly. "And she's almost as pretty as my big brother's favorite gacha waifu."
The backhanded compliment was delivered so expertly that only he, Ayane, and Mika caught the venom behind it. Meanwhile, Mika stepped forward shyly and tugged on his jacket hem. "Big bro," she whispered, barely loud enough to hear. "Can I have a cookie?"
She pointed at the untouched store-bought biscuits on the coffee table, giving him the most pathetic, adorable look he'd ever seen.
Kaiji looked like he'd swallowed something sour. His smug confidence was cracking under this assault of wholesome family values.
Makoto sat at the table across from her parents, maintaining his fond smile. "Can you get her some cookies, please, Ayane?"
Ayane played her part perfectly. She jumped up immediately. "Of course, sweetie," she cooed at Mika, her voice dripping with affection. She handed Mika a cookie with a radiant smile, and the girl took it with a grateful bow.
Makoto kept his voice low and appreciative as he faced Ayane's parents. "So, I've heard about your plan. But don't you think it's a bit early to be thinking about marriage? We're still young, and we're focusing on our careers first." He nodded solemnly. "But I guess there must be a reason for it?"
His question cut through the sweet performance. Ayane's father turned serious again. "It's not about being young," he said firmly. "Kaiji-kun's family has been our business partner for decades. This union would secure our company's future."
Kaiji's smirk returned, his confidence rebuilding. "Don't worry," he said condescendingly. "She wouldn't have to work. I can provide for her. She can stay home, raise the children, and spend my money."
He looked at Ayane with possessive eyes. "Isn't that what every woman wants?"