Becoming a Father

He always kept his distance from them and always used work as an excuse to separate himself from them, so he missed them terribly.

Maruo himself understood that all the changes started from that day.

His relationship with his daughter had improved, and they could chat and eat together like an ideal family, and this couldn't be separated from her relationship with the young man.

The young man did many good things but one big mistake.

After finding out that his relationship with his five daughters was getting closer, and there were even scandals about him and them at school, Maruo could no longer turn a blind eye. He also couldn't wait for his daughter to say they were ready to marry him.

As a father, why didn't he want to make a mature choice by asking Shinichi's opinion?

If the answer satisfied him, let the other party work hard to take over the position of hospital director; if the answer was unsatisfactory, other schools in the city had already been contacted, and the quintuplets could be transferred there anytime.

And then, this evening.

Unfortunately, not only did Shinichi give an unsatisfactory answer, but for the second time in his life, he even wanted to beat someone up.

Maruo hated Shinichi very much, hated immoral people like him, and disagreed with the idea of handing his daughter over to him.

After dinner, Maruo called Nino to the balcony and revealed his thoughts.

"No matter what you just did, Nino, this is my final warning—"

"If he's just dating you, I won't stop you two, and I can also provide financial support. Even if you want to get married now, I reluctantly agree and will help you find the best marriage team."

"And if he refuses to give up that stupid idea, I have no choice but to send you to another school again. No matter how far away you are. As long as you can stay away from that immoral man. I will do everything I can."

"I hope you can understand that this is for your own good. Think carefully about the practical issues and don't act on emotions."

After repeating what he said earlier in the afternoon, Maruo looked at her calmly.

Nino waved her hand in disgust at her sister peeking behind the window, then looked at father's gaze.

"Dad, do you remember what I said earlier?"

Maruo stopped and said calmly, "I remember, so what?"

"Dad, trust me, I will definitely make myself happy!"

Nino repeated the sentence again, her tone very firm.

"This has nothing to do with that playboy scumbag. This is a promise I made to you."

"So please..."

Before, she couldn't finish her sentence, now she said word by word to her father in the most devout way:

"Please look at me closely and watch us fight for our own happiness with both hands."

"One day, the five of us will leave you and this house, and fight for our own dreams outside."

"We are changing and we are growing... Holding onto the past and refusing to change will not be able to resist harsh reality."

The night wind blew her short hair, and Nino smiled peacefully, which made Maruo slightly stunned.

"So far, we have overcome so many difficulties and endured so much cruelty."

"Whether him or me, we all rack our brains to think and learn for our own happiness."

"I lost a lot, but I also gained a lot."

"Although our relationship is a bit different from normal people, I never regret falling in love with him, nor do I regret the price I paid to learn how to love him... Everyone should have the same feelings."

She didn't look back, although she knew they were eavesdropping.

"Because we're quintuplets, now I'll say this to Dad on behalf of the other four—"

Nino crossed her arms, the moonlight illuminating the side of her face, and her voice echoed in the night sky.

"Your daughter is not foolish enough to see the wrong person. Don't worry too much without permission, you tsundere idiot of a father!"

Maruo: "..."

"Anyway, please don't worry about our emotional issues for now. If one person can't handle it, can't five?"

Nino ended it with helplessness.

"As mom said, whether we're happy or in trouble, we must divide it into five equal parts."

"..."

Hearing her mention that person, Maruo fell silent, turning to look at the night view outside the balcony, no longer trying to correct his thoughts.

What Nino said did have some truth to it.

Reluctant as he may be, Maruo must not let worry become a shackle; a home should not be a cage.

The atmosphere became quiet.

After a while.

"But if..."

A quieter growl than before sounded softly behind him.

"If someday it turns out we're wrong... Dad, will you still watch over us from behind?"

It was like a child asking a slightly embarrassed question.

Maruo didn't look back, but after a pause, he answered calmly.

"I am your father and you are my daughter."

"This will not change just because you're abducted by a man, it never will."

"It's so cold, come back and rest."

Nino unconsciously asked, "What about you?"

"I will enjoy the breeze again, and I will soon come in and rest."

"Okay, then take care of yourself and don't catch a cold~"

Nino felt she had convinced him, with a restrained tone of joy and relaxation.

She opened the balcony window and shouted to her eavesdropping sisters before they could escape: "Don't run! If you eavesdrop, you'll be tickled for ten seconds!"

Then she immediately chased after them.

On the balcony, the tranquility was only restored to one person.

As the commotion faded behind him, Maruo picked up his phone and made a call.

"Asada Shinichi-kun, right?"

"I apologize for calling you so late."

"You better be polite, because what I'm about to say won't be as polite."

As those words came out, Maruo's eyes instantly narrowed.

His voice rarely fluctuated. His whole body seemed to emit a murderous aura.

The only thing that remained unchanged was the unforgiving cold tone.

"I will never acknowledge you, never."

"I will attend my daughter's wedding, but not yours."

"Asada-kun, please remember this deeply in your mind. It's better not to forget it."

"I am a father who will support my daughter and protect their happiness."

"You cannot erase this qualification."

"So, if you don't fulfill what you promised, if you make them think they've made the wrong choice."

"It's better to hide somewhere where I can't find you."

"If you hurt their feelings, I will ruin your life."

"As a father, I do what I say."

"I hope I never meet you again."

His demeanor returned to calmness. Maruo touched his throat; he had never spoken in such a harsh tone before, his voice hoarse at the end.

Just as he was thinking about this and about to hang up, Shinichi, who had been silent for a long time, spoke again.

"I understand, father-in-law."

"Don't worry, entrust your daughter to me. I, Asada Shinichi, will surely fulfill your expectations!"

"I want to spend my whole life proving that they are not wrong."

Maruo's eyebrows raised, and he said something with a grim expression.

A beep was heard from the other end of the phone, the man hung up without permission.

Maruo stared at the phone for a long time, then finally put it in his pocket.

He raised his head, and the stars and moon suddenly broke free from the dark clouds and bloomed with brilliant and beautiful silver light.

Seeing the sight, Maruo's facial expression slowly softened, and he seemed to be talking to himself.

"Rena, do you also support their choice..."

No one answered, Maruo shook his head, and he returned to the warmth of his home.