Chapter 15

Tao cheered as he saw a man, who Junya and Tori didn't recognize, suddenly barged into the ward with bags and a baby. The man then hurriedly put his bags down and together with Tao and the baby in his arms, he hugged the Mama lovingly. The hug lasted for a few seconds, ignoring the unconscious sharp glares sent off by Junya and noticed by Tori.

Tori nudged Junya at the abdomen, reminding him of the Mama's relationship with the man. From their reaction, it was obvious that the man was the Mama's said husband, and also Tao and Nao's father.

"How are you, love?" The man whispered softly, as he could perceive the half awake Mama couldn't really digest the situation just yet. "I'm sorry for not being there with you. I'm such a fool."

"Dear, it's not your fault."

The Mama's spontaneous action - touching and caressing the Papa's worried face with his slender fingers tenderly - sparked jealousy in Junya. He pursed his lips in dissatisfaction, unnerved by the fact that he wished to be treated like that too. As far as he could recall, the Mama never talked to him that gently all these while.

"He's his husband in the first place, Junya," Tori gritted his teeth. He definitely knew what Junya was thinking. "Don't think anything stupid."

There was a pause for a few seconds before Junya whispered back, "Does liking someone stupid?"

"You-"

"You guys!" Those two friends were intercepted by the Papa, unwary of the tension lingering between them. "I must thank you for your concern and kindness. What should I do to repay you?"

The two friends raised brows in puzzlement as the Papa didn't seem to notice the jittering Junya before them. While Tori acted all smiles, Junya couldn't even fake one. Tao happily told a story of his adventure, and while the Papa engrossed in listening, Junya gradually turned around.

"Hey, are you going home? Wait!"

Even the Mama glared at the Papa in pure shock. Naturally Junya would get confuse when the Papa insisted on repaying them, but if even the Mama ogled, that must be something. Perhaps the Mama wasn't comfortable around Junya in the first place, hence the presence of the Papa should be calming. However, the Papa seemed to not get the situation. He stopped Junya from walking away? Why?

"It's okay, Sir. We didn't do much. As long as everyone is safe, it's more than enough," the idea of staying there longer wasn't preferable, plus Tori saw how the Mama reacted. Hence, he must do his part too. "Let's go home, Junya. Our family must be waiting."

"He's right, dear," the Mama nodded vigorously. "They're high school students. Being out this late must have caused worry to their parents."

The Papa touched the Mama's hand before nodding once. "There's no way I will let them go with bare hands. I must repay them for keeping my wife and son safe and sound."

It was unsure whether it was an opportunity or a bad news to Junya in this case. He did like the Mama and he even had a thought of snatching the Mama away from the Papa, but the Papa's insist puzzled him. Was it real or the Papa had ulterior motive? Tori at his side gulped since he was afraid the outcome might not be that smooth.

"Let's go to our house. I've prepared dinner so it's on me!"

The surprise hasn't stopped. The Papa has just invited Junya and Tori to their resident! How lucky, Junya cheered. But Tori disliked the idea. He really didn't want to get involved with Tao's family. Friendship would be the furthest they could become in Tao's point of view.

He might strangle Junya if the latter made up his mind-

"All right, sounds good!" Junya raised his brows at Tao, as if he sent the younger a secret signal only they knew.

-wrongly.

Tori gritted his teeth. This Junya guy was in dire of monitors. He kept on doing ridiculous things when it came to Tao and his family. As if he was set up by someone else to always nod to Tao or his family's request, Junya didn't seem to hesitate at all. This dizzied Tori hugely.

"How about you, love? Are you okay? Or do you need another day staying here?" the Papa prompted at the Mama, ignoring the bewildered expression on the face.

Tao just cheered and talked because he definitely loved the Papa's idea, plus what inspirited him more was Junya's acceptance. Tori's mind actively constructed plans to get Junya away from the household before all of them left the ward. The Mama kept on squinting at the Papa.

Inviting Junya over was undoubtedly a bad idea!

"So, do you want to ask anything about my wife?"

The nurses have checked on the Mama, resulting in another day of examination there. Therefore, the Mama ought to stay at the hospital for a couple of days before fully recovering. Except him, the others were headed to the same direction - Tao's house. Getting butterflies in stomach, Junya could grin ear to ear already.

"Honestly, we've come across each other for a few times already," Junya initiated carefully. "Tao is a good boy because he always listens to Mama-san and acts maturely. He likes breads like me, so we always happened to meet at the bakery. Somehow, he and Mama-san got caught in a critical situation. That was why we couldn't just abandon them."

"That was quite a scene," the Papa hummed a bit to let Nao in his cradle continue sleeping. "I cannot thank you enough for what you've done to my wife and son. As a thank you gift, I will open an opportunity for you."

Badump! Tori could see the upcoming consequence. Junya seemed anticipating.

"I'll let you get closer to my wife."

From excitement, Junya's smile flickered. The tips of his lips forced to fade the wide grin.

"I know what you feel. You love my wife, right?"