Chapter 14: Meeting the Yaoyorozus

As the years passed, both my quirk and our friendship with Momo grew stronger. At ten years old, I had significantly refined my control over "Programmatic Control," and my training with Takumi Yamamoto continued to push me further. Momo, too, had made tremendous strides with her quirk, "Creation," and our training sessions together had only deepened our bond.

Today marked a special occasion—Momo had invited me to her home for the first time. The excitement was tinged with a hint of apprehension. Momo's overprotective father, Mr. Yaoyorozu, had always been a topic of concern for her. She had confided in me that her father was particularly wary of anyone who might have an interest in his daughter, especially given her status and his own high standards.

As I approached the grand entrance of the Yaoyorozu estate, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The estate was impressive, reflecting the elegance and affluence of the Yaoyorozu family. The sprawling grounds were meticulously maintained, and the architecture blended traditional charm with modern sophistication.

Momo had reassured me that her parents were kind, but she couldn't hide her anxiety about her father's reaction. She had mentioned several times how protective he was and how important it was for me to make a good impression.

Momo greeted me at the door with a warm but slightly anxious smile. "Ren-kun, I'm so glad you're here. Just remember to be yourself, and everything will be fine. My parents are really nice, but my father can be a bit… intense."

I nodded, trying to remain calm. "I'll do my best, Momo-san. Thanks for giving me the chance to meet them."

As we walked through the beautifully decorated halls of the estate, Momo led me to the main living area, where her parents were waiting. The room exuded a sense of refined elegance, with tasteful decorations and comfortable furnishings. Mr. Yaoyorozu and Mrs. Yaoyorozu were seated together, their expressions a mix of curiosity and formality.

Momo cleared her throat softly. "Mom, Dad, this is Ren Hikari. He's been a good friend and training partner for me."

Mr. Yaoyorozu, a tall man with a stern yet dignified presence, rose from his seat and extended a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ren-kun. I've heard a lot about you from Momo."

I took his hand with a respectful shake, trying to project confidence despite my nerves. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Yaoyorozu. Thank you for having me."

Mrs. Yaoyorozu, a graceful woman with a warm smile, offered her hand as well. "Welcome, Ren-kun. We're delighted to have you here. Momo has spoken very highly of you."

As I exchanged pleasantries with Momo's parents, I could sense the underlying scrutiny in Mr. Yaoyorozu's gaze. His protective nature was evident, though he was polite and cordial. Mrs. Yaoyorozu's warmth contrasted with her husband's intensity, making me feel more at ease.

After some initial small talk, we moved to the dining room, where a delicious meal was served. The conversation turned to various topics, and I gradually found myself relaxing. Momo's parents were engaging, and Mr. Yaoyorozu's demeanor softened as he learned more about me.

"Ren-kun," Mr. Yaoyorozu said as he took a sip of his drink, "Momo has told us about your training and your dedication to mastering your quirk. It's impressive to see young individuals so committed to their goals."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Mr. Yaoyorozu. I've been fortunate to have great guidance and support, especially from Momo and Takumi-sensei."

Momo, sitting beside me, glanced at her father nervously but seemed reassured by his more relaxed demeanor. "I'm really glad you're enjoying the meal, Ren-kun. I was worried about how things might go, but I'm happy that it's going well."

As the evening progressed, I felt more comfortable, and the conversation became more relaxed and enjoyable. It was clear that Mr. Yaoyorozu's initial reservations were giving way to genuine interest, and Mrs. Yaoyorozu's hospitality made me feel welcome.

Before long, the dinner came to a close, and Mr. Yaoyorozu stood up, signaling the end of the evening. "Ren-kun, I must say, it's been a pleasure getting to know you. Momo speaks highly of you, and I can see why. You've shown yourself to be a dedicated and respectful young man."

Momo's face lit up with relief and happiness. "Thank you, Dad. I'm really glad you had a good time."

I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Yaoyorozu. I appreciate the opportunity to visit."

As I said my goodbyes and prepared to leave, Momo walked me to the door. "Thank you for coming over, Ren-kun. It means a lot to me that you got along with my parents."

I smiled at her, feeling grateful for the positive experience. "It was my pleasure, Momo-san. I'm glad everything went well. Your family is wonderful."

As I left the Yaoyorozu estate, I felt a sense of fulfillment. Meeting Momo's parents and earning their approval was an important step, and it strengthened my bond with Momo even further. The evening had been a success, and I looked forward to continuing our journey together, both as friends and as training partners.