Childhood Period: Addressing with you and sir

Pov Manami

Walking alongside the road, I held the child's hand, matching his steps, adjusting his hat.

-Kai, has any extracurricular activity caught your interest?

-Karate and gymnastics, Father, sir.

Taking steps beside the child, I turned to look above his head, trying to see his face.

-You should know that when summer starts, you'll be able to choose how to do that, Kai.

-I understand, sir.

-Even if it means upsetting your mom.

In a playful tone, I used my other hand to stroke the child's long hair.

-You know, when she gets angry, no one can stop her, not even me.

-I'm sorry; I don't want to bother you, sir...

-*Sigh* It's not bothersome; your mother has always treated me this way.

Hand in hand, we enter a store.

- Excuse me, do you have service?

A man with makeup emerges from the bar, looking in our direction; the extravagant style with decorated nails is noticeable.

- Oh, sweethearts, you've come for your appointment today.

- Of course, Reji. The boy needs to look presentable for his upcoming trip.

- That's right.

Without moving much from our spot, the man starts walking to one side, pointing to a high chair.

- Come here, sweetheart; it's time to make you look very elegant.

My son looked at me as he took off his hat.

- "Do you want my approval?"

Nodding, the boy began to take steps towards a piece of furniture to leave his things.

- "What's wrong with him today?"

- You have a very polite boy, Manami-chan. Are you sure you didn't steal him from the hospital?

Frowning, my tone changes to a clearer one as I watch my son climb onto the chair.

- The service begins.

- Yes <3< p>

With his long nails, the man separates the boy's hair, starting to cut strands on the sides with scissors.

- Cut the hair on the sides; leave enough on the top to style.

- Yes <3, leave it to me.< p>

The man, with great care, takes his scissors, cutting the boy's hair little by little as time passes.

- I'm sorry, Manami-chan, but your son...

Approaching the chair, I position myself beside the boy.

- He's quite the little gentleman.

Cleaning the fallen hair on his shoulders, I look at the top of his head.

- Son, does it itch?

- No, sir.

Leaving the store, hand in hand with the boy, we begin to walk, looking at the darkened sky; the boy's steps become faster.

- Am I walking too fast?

- No, sir.

..........

Upon reaching the door of the apartment, a woman dressed in a white shirt and black pants, along with high heels.

- Welcome.

The woman was quite happy; her lower lip seemed intensely red, landing on my neck.

- *Mwah* You *Muah* are my life.

The woman hugged the boy, painting his cheek red.

- We're back, mother, ma'am.

The woman, a little confused, tilted her head, looking at the boy in her arms.

- Well... dinner is almost ready, and the bath too; hurry in, Kai-chan, before sitting with everyone.

- Yes, ma'am.

The boy, leaving his shoes at the entrance, began to walk into the apartment.

- Wait, Kai, let's take a bath together.

- Yes, sir.

- Bring a towel for me.

Entering the apartment, the woman in front of me turned with the same confused expression; the corners of her eyes seemed droopy.

- Dear, could it be that...

- I don't know why our son is like this, and I don't like it; I want to talk to him more calmly.

Crossing my arms, my expression tightened.

- I don't want any of my relatives to know about him.

The woman interlocked her own fingers, lowering her head a bit; I kissed her forehead, entering the apartment.

- Don't worry; I won't take long. Depending on what he says, I'll go out again.

- I'm sorry...

- You don't have to worry, Ritzuko.

...........

Putting soap between my fingers, I start to caress the boy's head in front of me.

- Tell me if it hurts, Kai.

- Yes, sir.

Starting to rub off the excess hair, it slides off the soap.

- Kai, are you angry?

- No, sir.

- Do you feel pressured?

- No, sir.

Pouring a bucket of water over the boy's head, I remove the remaining soap.

- Get into the tub quickly, Kai.

- Yes, sir.

- Give me some space.

Sitting in front of the boy, the significant difference in height and body size is noticeable as I stretch my hand to adjust the small strands on his forehead.

- Kai, what happened to you today?

- Nothing, sir.

- Is that what I mean, Kai? Where did you learn to speak that way.

- At school.

Looking him in the eyes, my other hand holds my leg firmly.

- From whom?

- The teacher taught me not to speak incorrectly to people I respect.

Releasing my hand from my leg, I touch my chest, exhaling dramatically.

- Well, son, can you do me a favor?

- Yes?

- When you see that lady, tell her that she will never find a husband and can only marry herself.

The boy, confused, tilts his head.

- Why?

- I never taught you to speak to me like that, son.

- But I'm being rude.

- I'm more concerned about your formal language, son.

Resting my head against the wall, I place one hand on my forehead.

- You're a child; it's normal for you to be free and express yourself as you like. I'm your father, and you know me; I don't have to pretend anything with you.

- But that's wrong.

Lowering my head, I rest my head on my fist.

- Son, I always give good-bad advice because I'm a first-time father, so if that worries you, let's make a deal.

Opening the palm of my other hand, I put it in front of the boy.

- You'll speak to me informally, but you'll always treat me formally.

- Why?

- I told you I give bad-good advice; I don't want many rules, son, but I want to have a memory when I'm older and can embarrass myself.

- But...

- Yes, I'm already very old.

The boy lowers his head, clasping both hands.

- I care little about how people see our relationship, son, and if they bother you, you have my permission to confront them.

- That...

- But if an adult bothers you, I'll show him that there are easier ways to give me his buttocks.

The boy suppresses a small laugh with his head down.

- That's what I mean; so what do you say, son?

Stretching his small hand, he touches the palm of my hand, smiling in my direction.

- Sounds good, dad.

- Good, then.

Leaving the tub, I grab the towel nearby.

- I'll show you the secret of men, Kirijima.

- Aye.

Unfolding the towel completely, I stretch my legs.

- For proper drying, only three taps are needed.

Using the towel, I hit my groin, making a sound that resonates in the bathroom.