Breadwinner[‘s]

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[-Continuation-]

[-After Two Weeks-]

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[Hachiman's POV]

"Excuse me, I am here to see Mr. Hikigaya Nanami." I approached the front desk and addressed the female receptionist.

In case you're wondering, that's my father's name. Alas, he is not as cool as his name though.

Coming to my current location, I found myself at his workplace for the first time.

"Sorry, it's not visiting hours right now. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" (Receptionist)

Is there even a thing like visiting hours? I don't know.

"When do visiting hours start?" I inquired.

"During lunch at 12:50."(Receptionist)

So technically, it was not visiting hours, just a regular lunch break.

"Okay, I will wait then." I walked back and sat near a place that seemed like a waiting area.

Although there were numerous empty seats, I noticed a handful of individuals seemed to be occupying a few seats randomly.

They were dressed casually, just like me, and seemed out of place.

In the end, I chose to sit in the back row, where there was no one within 20 feet of me.

I had some matters to discuss with my old man, so I would prefer some privacy.

It would only be another 30 minutes until the clock struck 1 o'clock anyways.

….

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[-After Twenty Five Minutes-]

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"...*ahem, hey, sorry for the wait." An elderly man appeared suddenly, taking the seat next to me while I was occupied with my phone.

He was fifteen minutes late - or rather, his scheduled break had been - and I could see a hint of amusement in his brown eyes as he took the seat in his formal attire.

"Have you been waiting long?" He continued.

I glanced up and saw that it was my father who had finally arrived. Unlike his usual appearance at home, his black hair was neatly combed back, and there was a certain twinkle in his eye as he sat down next to me.

"...not too long, actually. Just 20 minutes." I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite my initial impatience.

"So, who's the unlucky girl?" He teased, sneaking a glance at my phone screen, which displayed a message box.

"Really, Dad? Are you going there?" I sighed, shaking my head in mock exasperation.

"What's wrong with a father worrying about his son?" He defended himself with a chuckle.

Son…? What's gotten into this old man all of a sudden? Did he hit his head, or something?

"Before I spill about my love life, how about you tell me about your high school crush?" I asked curiously, trying to steer the conversation away from his teasing.

"Of course, there was someone, and that was your mother." He replied confidently, a hint of nostalgia softening his voice.

How many times has he rehearsed that lie in order to say it so seamlessly?

"Hey, why do your eyes look like they don't believe what I am saying?" He asked, catching onto my skeptical expression.

Of course, because that's exactly what I am thinking.

"It's probably because of you that I couldn't land a girl." I muttered half-seriously, half-blamingly.

Right, it must be in my blood, because there's no way I would still be single with the looks I got from my 'mother'.

"I think it's probably because my old man never landed a girl, either." He added, putting the responsibility on my grandfather with a cheeky grin.

"Now you're blaming gramps for your incompetence." I groaned, unable to hide a chuckle.

Oh God, what is this family I was born into?

"Did you bring what I asked for?" He finally got down to business, steering the conversation back to the reason for my visit.

"Here." I replied, handing over a file.

He took it with a quick nod, flipping through the pages to ensure it was the right one. His brows furrowed slightly, indicating he was already immersed in work mode.

Now, how should I tackle the problem I am facing…

I need to convince my father to reduce his work hours, which may ultimately lead to a reduction in his paycheck.

There is also Mom, but let's solve one problem at a time.

You still don't get it?

Why do you think I worked so hard to earn money for…. to free my parents from becoming the inevitable corporate slaves. Yep, life for Japanese workers can be quite tough in certain workplaces.

Still, I need to choose my words carefully. I don't want to come across as insensitive and hurt his pride as a Father, the breadwinner of our family.

No matter what I say, I still respect this man, so I don't want to do anything that will make him feel insignificant.

I have a few alternatives as a backup plan, but if possible, I don't want to use them, as it seems a bit extreme even to me.

"Why don't we go out for a family dinner this weekend, just the four of us?" I made a tentative suggestion, hoping to ease into the conversation.

"....." He eyed me suspiciously, his sharp gaze hinting that he sensed more to my suggestion than just a family outing, but nonetheless gave a cautious nod.

Right, then instead of saying it head-on, I will try the roundabout way.

"Dad. You remember the game I have been working on with the Orgo Company?" I asked.

"[Candy Smash], or whatever it's called..." My father scoffed, showing his usual lack of interest in my work.

It's [Candy Crush], old man, but [Candy Smash] doesn't sound too off either.

"No! Wait, did that company go bankrupt or something?" His eyes widened in shock, a hint of worry creeping into his voice. "Don't tell me now, I should return all 'my' money now."

I sighed inwardly. What do you mean by 'my' money, Dad? It's 'MY' money.

"Could you stop cursing with that mouth of yours?" I chided him, annoyed.

What did I do to deserve a family like this?

"But everything's going well, actually. The game is launching in a week." I reassured him, hoping to shift the focus away from his financial concerns.

"Thank goodness, 'my' money is safe." He sighed with relief.

Again, it's 'MY' money, not yours.

"So, what do you say? Are you guys free this weekend?" I asked, trying to change the subject to something more positive.

They should be, as I know their schedule clearly.

"...Hm, sure, it's been a while since I went out with my lovely daughter." He replied somewhat distractedly.

"Was that a yes?" I pressed on, deciding to ignore his disrespect toward me.

"So when are we receiving the promised amount that should be given after the release of the game?" He suddenly asked in a more serious tone.

Hehe~ Got you… old man.

"It should be deposited the day the game is out." I replied calmly.

My father's face lit up with a sly smile as he declared. "Guess, you will be seeing 'us' more often at home from now on."

"..." - "..." I paused, trying to process his statement.

What? I didn't understand what he meant. I mean, I did, but is that what I think it is?

Seeing my perplexed expression, he explained. "What do you think? Since I won the lottery, I am thinking of taking it a little easy with my job."

My jaw dropped as I realised that me winning the competition with my competence was equivalent to him winning a lottery?

He is taking the whole credit for my hard earned labour.

"What about Mom?" I asked, not taking his words seriously, as I know he is happy about it too.

"...I should manage to convince her." He said, his tone uncertain.

"What are the chances of succeeding?"

"Well…" He trailed off, leaving the answer hanging in the air.

But that was enough for me.

"So, it's not zero…" I muttered, feeling relieved.

Man, I love just how shameless this Father of mine can be with his son. I wish I could be like him with my son in the future.

And here I was worrying about his pride. What is there more pride in than leaving the rest of your life with your offspring's money?

I had almost forgotten that, at one point in my life, my future occupation was to be a househusband.

But if given a chance, I would still consider that path... Although the odds of it happening are slim.

…*sigh. Anyhow, that makes it one less worry out of my life for now.

But really, I laughed it off as a joke with my old man, but now I am wondering how I should proceed with my 'love life'.

….should I ask for any advice from him? Isn't it the perfect scenario of Father giving an eye opening world view?

I thought about looking at my father.

Nope. Not gonna happen.

Anyways, should I also meet Mom before leaving? I thought so, as she is also the breadwinner of our family and works here.

Nah, I don't think it's good to disturb her, and I am sure she must be busy, as she didn't come by herself when she knew I was dropping by.

…

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After a few more minutes of talking with my father, I bid him goodbye.

Exiting the office building, I immediately dialed a number.

–*Ring!*Ring!*Ring!

–*tut!

["Hikigaya, this better be important. You know I am busy right now."] Ryota answered, his words harsh.

"Tch, you are probably goofing off somewhere."

["Look who's talking. I am hanging up."]

"It is important." I responded with utmost certainty. "I found a last-minute correction in the game…"

["...what is it?"] He asked, sounding concerned.

"The name. The game's name should be changed." I took a breath before declaring firmly

["Are you crazy? No, I know you are."] He responded, irritated.

"....So, what do you think?" I suggested it again seriously.

["...Why do you want to change it?"]

"Just felt like it." I shrugged, though he couldn't see.

["HELL NO, BASTARD!!"] Ryota yelled so loudly into the phone that I had to pull it away from my ear.

–tut!(:call ended)

Ugh, too loud.

Anyway that's a 'NO' I guess?

Well, at least I tried, old man.

….

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After a ten minute long battle on the phone with Ryota and after a lot of blows sharing I convinced him at last.

Haaah, the things I wouldn't do for my family.

"I am home." I declared stopping inside and closing the door behind me.

–*bark!*bark!*bark!

??...? A dog..? I am hearing things wrong now, why is a Kamakura(:cat) barking like a dog?

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[To be continued….]

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