I need to do it.

I have to do it.

I must do it.

I think that my body moved hand in hand with my instinct and conscious. I do not know how it came to happen, and I would not bother asking about it.

I felt like I was free and can do anything. Maybe not strong, but I definitely felt that this is something I can and have to do. Most probably, this also happens to other people in the times when it calls, not only to me.

My "can", "need", "have", and "must" was all of a sudden given its purpose. I thought…

I must protect her.

There was no way that my surroundings suddenly turned into slow motion, but somewhere in my mind, it knew that I moved in a snap.

I turned starting from my head, to my hip, and down to the vigorous pivot of my foot that sounded like a boom to the floor. I came to when I was already taking off my suit and put it on my front as if I was carrying a shield. I had turned a full 180 degrees, and then I saw a sight I thought I have seen before. But it was a more frightening sight than the last one I saw.

Somehow, a great fear grew into me.

I absolutely must protect her… not only for her sake or mine, but also for Gin, his family, and his friends' sake. I realized the great… the extreme fear that quickly crawled to every fiber of my body.

It is the fear of not knowing what could happen if I failed.

I absolutely must protect her… and I have to absolutely prevent the forthcoming of an untamable beast.

I was already scared even before I saw those hollow, despairing, but raging eyes. However, it felt like I was looking eye to eye with a starving beast that has finally seen its first prey.

But I still pushed forward somehow. The second the blade touched the cloth, I tightened the grasp of my left hand until I felt that the knife was beginning to dull, while my right arm locked and immobilized the opposite's arm.

I managed to change the storm's course until it dissolved to mere clouds without a circulation. I managed to prevent a "distortion." And deep within, my mind was telling me that I managed to save not only two lives, but hundreds.

And amidst of the great fear weighing me down that are folds more than the gravity of Earth…

"Thank you… Akira…!!"

I found the reason why I was able to protect her.

▪ ▪ ▪

‹Gin›

I woke up and rose to the sight of Haku juggling a ball as he lied supine on the floor. I clearly recall that I ought to wake up in a very chilly morning now that fall is nearing its end, but instead I felt a tinge of warmth that I feel before noon.

"…

Have you eaten already… Haku?"

"Meow. (In rare cases, you were like Ringo-ojou. You simply wouldn't wake up.)"

The clock was shouting eleven at me.

After a splash on my face I, for once, came down without even thinking of making my coffee the first thing. I instead rushed out of my house and hurried towards the place four blocks apart.

"Where's Anna?!"

My parents and Kei's heads rotated to my direction as if they snapped. On a delay, my younger sister turned around with a neutral expression below her brushed up fringes.

"…

Haaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh…

I'm very sorry that I was too slow."

"Nii…

Even if you apologize, I didn't really get what was going on. When I realized what was happening, it was already over.

Well, I had a hard time sleeping last night but apart from that, I'm fine so you don't need to worry."

"Anna…

Since when did you become an airhead…?"

"It's odd how the people who initiate a moment also break it themselves. Give me a break, Nii."

"Hahh… But then I guess it's a good thing. Ignorance is bliss sometimes… indeed."

I patted her head and snatched her hair tie to fix up the bunch.

"Stragglers hanging on your forehead is going to be annoying."

"…!

Why are so cool in the oddest times, Nii…?!"

And just like that, October came. As per the Gin Sakato household's tradition, on the very first day of the month, the living room's layout changes to make some real estate to the kotatsu's descent to this cold place anew.

Thus comes another warm embrace of bliss.

Ring

"Hello, Gin Sakato of Giotto's speaking."

"Greetings. It hasn't been a while."

"This voice…"

"I recall gesturing you to burn my card…"

"I did, before I memorized it."

"How nasty…"

"Hahahaha. That's really the only thing you can say. Anyway, let's schedule a meal sometime?"

"Surely that's not something I hear from a- Are we in a private and secure line?"

"Our conversation won't pass through our base. So?"

"I'll find a time."

"Sounds great. I'd want us to be buddies outside of our work."

"I guess that's fine…"

"I'll bring my girlfriend with me so why not invite yours too?"

"I'll think about it," stiffly.

"Sweet. Ban Tobei is the name. Please don't save this number but memorize it."

"Nice talking to you."

*beep*

And afterwards, another ring, but from my doorbell. The first thing I saw was Akira's rather serious face upon opening the door widely. I stared for quite a while, but then I gestured a "wait" or "stay put" without a word and abruptly came inside only to give him a small piece of paper.

"Can you run an errand for me?"

"S-Sure…" and off he goes.

I came back inside and sat again in the kotatsu with my eyes feeling heavy and my shoulder and back coming to a slouch.

"HAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH…"

For the last time, I went to the dialer of my phone.

"Hello, Dad? Mind joining me on the kotatsu right now? I also feel like something's about to go down later and I think we'll-"

"Okay, I got that. But come here first since we have a guest. They also have something to talk about.

Can you also let them park their car there on your spare space? Neighbors might complain if it's on the roadside"

"…

O-Okay…?"

…

A fluffing black Mercedes B*nz suddenly drove in to my lot. Needless to say, my eyeballs nearly shut off to the bullet proof windshield. The driver- A Driver?! The driver came out of the car so as to greet me, which I bowed in return and then he came back inside.

Oh, wait, nice taste for blacking out the chrome hints of the car. Even the badge is de-chromed. Love the spec.

"Uhh… You're not going with me?"

"Ah, no. Please don't mind me. I now have an excuse to play Anim*l Crossing," then he pulled out a Sw*tch.

"…

Stonks."

…

"Good morning, Yuka Gin."

Greeted Ms. Sora and… Takezo Kagurazaka inside our innocent house that suddenly got overwhelmed by their presence itself. And now our family house is literally weeping- there's a leak.

"I'm really more suited with the informality, thanks…"

Another full house. The whole family is now present in front of the father and daughter.

"Thank you for sparing time for our visit."

"N-No… it's very fine. So now that we are complete, what it is that you want to talk about, Mr. Kagurazaka…?"

"We would like to apologize for the harm we've caused your children," uttered in one breath, and they lowered their heads in sync.

"…We understand. But as you can see, they are safe and sound. None of us here takes what happened in offense."

"But even so," Ms. Sora interjected, "it is because of our invitation that this all happened. Because of us, Yuka Gin and Anna was put to a dangerous situation.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

We wish to compensate for us shortcomings."

"N-N-N-No…! That is unnecessary!" my father greatly refused, "As the head of the family, I gladly accept your apology. But we really do not need anything beyond that."

"But we insist. This is not a matter of paying my debt to someone anymore. I will not be able to sleep another night with the guilt still haunting me unless I can give even the smallest support to the ones we got involved in our incident. We wish for you to reconsider."

Certainly, him looking down on the systems that reject his ideals definitely leaves a bad taste to my mouth. But beyond that, I still have my respect for his sincerity in his words and acts. Truly, he did not cheat his way to where he is now.

And what is most unbelievable is that he is going out of his way to leave his pride perhaps on his desk.

"Can I take this, Dad?" I snuck a whisper.

"Go ahead."

"I understand your feelings, Mr. Kagurazaka. But in all honesty, we really don't need compensation. Neither of us siblings were hurt by any means, and I guess that we shall thank the "unknown party" that suddenly acted against the attackers for our safety."

"Y-Yes… I do agree," added Anna.

"For Mr. Kagurazaka to go out of his way to visit our home amidst your business, we are very thankful for your concern. So at least, let us hear what you wish to offer us."

"If I am going to be brutally honest, I absolutely can't feel the same vibe that I felt from Uncle Junpei. He is soooo much scarier."

"Half a million Laxes."

Kuro just outright spat out his drink.

"…

Indeed, something of that sum can be put to good use… but even I personally wouldn't accept that even if I am a working, independent man. If I am to be honest, for someone who makes a hundred thousandth of what you make or even less, that is absolutely too much.

Mr. Kagurazaka, if you can't stomach the guilt and heavy concern you have for the affected people, then we aren't able to swallow the thought of money suddenly appearing in front of us in a flick of a finger."

"…

I see… In truth… I may have said the same thing when we were not yet here. I am sorry for forgetting that, and getting ahead of myself."

"Then I would like to compromise," Ms. Sora once again chimed in. "I was the one who organized and led the gathering, and I feel the most responsible for all the trouble I have caused, especially for my friend.

So if what Dad proposes does not appeal to you, then I have the most sensible that I can think of right now:

We wish to offer the coverage of your daughter's academic expenses until she finishes her studies."

"…

I stand by my son's stand, but after it has come this point… we shall take you up on your insistence."

"Thank you very much…!!"

"We should be the one bowing in gratitude…

We can't express our gratefulness enough."

And so, just like how they lowered their heads, we also did in each other's presence.

And for my father final words…

"But please remember, Mr. Kagurazaka. Not everything can be obtained with how big you have. A handmade doll has more worth than a golden necklace for a child."

"…

I shall not forget those words.

But it seems that I know now why my daughter was a little interested with you, Mr. Gin Sakato. Sadly, my daughter is already seeing someone. You are a very fine young man yourself, however," Mr. Kagurazaka teased.

"Please don't embarrass me, Dad…"

"Unfortunately, I have decided to marry my lover in the yet far future."

"That was so cool, Yuka Gin…"

I guess that solves all the concerns, so Ms. Sora and her father left to hopefully not find their driver playing. But while I was about to come back…

"A-Actually, Nii…!"

"Did you forget to say something to them?"

"N-No, not that… I'm sorry after everything, but I really have to tell you this…!"

~ ~ ~

As I have expected, it did seem like they have to make their way to other places which I would guess is towards their employees. Thus, Dad and I saw them off as they exit my lot.

"So, what is it that's about to go down?"

"Well, I don't expect the shopping to be done in 15 minutes… Let's watch some men's volleyball under the kotatsu while we wait. It's cold…"

"Right. I also got to watch that anime about volleyball. I don't even know if someone can spike the ball with my eyes closed."

※ Amano Sakato played as a wing spiker in his high school days.

"But to be honest, you were already a high-flyer in that height, Gin."

"I guess… Now I'm probably two kilometers from touching the clouds."

"Who would have thought that I would have an insane son…?"

"Did you ask that yourself when I was five."

"I'm so glad that I didn't."

So empty a laughter… that even a toddler would understand that we are escaping the reality that we discovered literally a few minutes ago.

~ ~ ~

«If for Gin and Amano, the fifteen minutes and more that has passed seem to be very long, the long minutes have come by swiftly for Akira who was suddenly asked to run an errand from Gin. He accomplished the list given to him; but the only memory he has on top of him mind in his presence in front of his friend's door, only to leave again.

For him, it feels like he didn't even leave the same spot, but now he is back with the door unlocked.»

"Heeeyyyy. You have too much in your shopping… list…"

«Now, the memory that is on top of his mind is the sight of two gentlemen sitting under the kotatsu while cheering on the live volleyball match.»

"Woah, how did the libero save that?!"

"Did you see the ball from that service ace, Gin?!"

"I would have if my TV refreshes more than it could! But if I was watching from the arena, that's easy!

Ah, welcome back. I guess I'll make lasagna for lunch."

"Ahahaha. Ever since oyaji made that for you, it immediately became your all-time favorite."

"I'm craving these days because I haven't had it in a while…

I swear it's painful to make them so much in the restaurant but don't get to eat them," my crappy Italian impression should really be censored.

"Mr. Juushiro~ please don't just stand there and put the bags in the counter."

"A-Ah, r-right…! Sorry!"

…

"While you're here, help me with some prep in exchange for eating lunch with us."

"Seeing this much in your counter, isn't this too much for three people…?"

"Like you still don't know me! I would bet that even I could devour a whole serving of lasagna, dutch oven included."

"The last one doesn't seem too tasty…"

"Yeah, but I never tasted it either."

It's hard to find ricotta in this country, but that doesn't actually matter, really. Even a master chef like Grandpa Kinrou made wonders, and I think that no ricotta is the Italian way…? Don't quote me on that even if Giotto's is one-third Italian. Anyway, the good stuff is now in the oven embracing the heat.

So I came back under the ricot- What in the world…

So I came back under the kotatsu and made Akira sit on the other side, exactly opposite and in the middle of Dad and I.

"Now then… Speak up, boy," that line sounded like it came from Dad but that was from me with an obviously irritated look at him… and in English.

"T-That… Gin… Mr. Sakato… It's ab-bout… I…"

On that queue, Rin suddenly came down from my second floor and immediately checked on what's cooking inside the oven. I was a little flustered if not surprised. I am sometimes a delusional man, and you already know how my head works.

She then walked over to living room and sat on the right side of the kotatsu from where I am.

"Ah, bliss…"

"Umm… didn't you see Akira was talking?"

"Wait, really. I thought he accidentally sipped some liquor and started groaning."

This girl is so mean I swear. Also, airheads are scary, I just don't know if she is one though.

And even before he continued groaning (lol)…

"Gin~ do you still have some sushi rice?" Mom entered. "Oh, you're making a healthy serving of lasagna! I guess the family will have lunch here. I'll borrow your kitchen later, son," and then she sat on the left.

"Hey, big guy, mind lending me a USB cable? Mine broke just now."

A wild Kei appeared!

…And sat beside Rin after getting what he needed.

"……"

You know, even if I can't read minds, I am basically narrating for Akira right now. 3, 2, 1.

What in the world is going on…?! Why is Gin's family suddenly here in his house? I thought that we can talk by ourselves… Was this a frame-up…?! Did I fall on their trap?!

…Is what he is probably thinking with a face with heaps of nervousness, cold sweat, and shivering. Apples, he looks like he's about to cry.

"Rin?"

With just an utterance of her name, she stood up and nodded.

"Ah, not through the door, please," and then she went to the second floor.

So while waiting for her, let me describe the atmosphere inside my house right now, although I'm not the one affected by it.

Basically, it is like we are inside the Room of Reality with this deafening silence. For me-

Oh, Rin is surprisingly quick. She immediately came down carrying Hak-

"Not the cat…!" I thought she understood what I meant, for crying out loud…!

Anyway, where was I? My house? Oh, right.

For me, it definitely feels like home as the Void is basically my second home. But there is more to that. It is like Room of Reality with the complete silence, there is a heavy, figurative gravity, and an insane pressure of anxiety darting towards one certain person.

And I hope that Rin actually brought the correct person this time as I hear her footsteps anew.

…

Eyes widened, a heart throbbed, and limbs trembled.

The fluster was ultimately written on my younger sister's face. Aggressively averting her gaze, she walked slowly and silently towards the kotatsu and sat between Mom and Dad. Her actions thus far are saying that she also has something to say, although I suspect that she is going to say the same thing.

But let me repeat the pseudo narration I gave for Akira: "Was this a frame-up…?! Did I fall on their trap?!" Truth be told, not a word has been spoken inside our house before Dad and I left. Even I was surprised with the events that happened. It definitely looked like Akira was set up, as I assume that that is what my family intends to do now that we are complete…

Complete…

Notwithstanding, the total silence has played from the queue. But in the middle of this horror of quietness, Rin suddenly tugged the ends of my sleeve and therefore I leaned as she whispered.

"Now I understand your position when we were all here while Sis is announcing her engagement…"

"This is my house and all… but I didn't even know what I am here back then."

"Gomen."

We've already wasted fifteen minutes without hearing a word from Akira. Thankfully, my oven is set to automatically stop at the desired time.

So I started once again, "Sorry to take this long. I think I'm… we're prepared to hear what you want to say."

"…

There is no point beating around the brush in front of this family, isn't it…?"

"Nah, you can. I feel like I also want to hear it without you cutting to the chase. Well, for some reason, I definitely want to hear it… after all that happened."

"That really puts me on the spot… I really don't know where to start…

…

I… I've realized some things after what happened with the incident from the Kagurazaka's event… I do believe that they stemmed from some past encounters that happened to me…

But at that time when all of us were put in an uncertain spot, I immediately thought that there was someone I should protect… as if my mind was telling me to do it. First, I thought that it only concerned your daughter… but probably we as Gin's friends learned a lesson back then in the school trip. I thought that I must protect Anna because of my feelings… and because I want to save not only her… but also Gin.

Maybe he was not aware of it, but I immediately had a rough idea of what would have happened if I didn't save them both. I also realized, it is not Gin that should be contained, but his proximity."

"In a sense…" I cut, "my abilities are a double-edged sword."

"Yes… and I would be lying if I didn't say that I was overjoyed to save the two of them. Because if I didn't… I wouldn't be sitting in front of you… declaring my feelings."

A short pause—as if it is supposed to be present.

"I realized my feelings for your daughter… Mr. Sakato…"

Then Dad crossed his arms and abruptly thought in silence.

"Akira…"

"…!"

"…you know that Ringo already has Gin, right?"

.

.

.

"Like father… like son…!!!" thought, Akira.

"I… I forgot that I really should be specific in front of you all…

Even if that was just a jest… I would like to tell you all my feelings for Anna…"

"…"

I then gestured my hand like a talking mouth and pointed it to me while looking at my sister. She nodded, while I absolutely expected to her to shake her head.

"Oi… who took Anna's social ability? Give it back whoever you are.

…

Ahem… anyway, it seems like my little sister is being abnormally shy. I would like to express my deepest apologies for saying what I shouldn't, in behalf of my sister, Akira."

Rin contemplated, "Even if you didn't grow as a whole human, I really like how considerate you are."

"You see, when I asked you for an errand earlier, Ms. Sora and his father coincidentally visited our home. After that…

Hahh… it just feels so wrong for me to say this…

After that, she announced something in front us—well, excluding Rin—and it concerns you too, Akira.

That's as far as I can tell. Many people in this world built up their courage just like Akira, so don't chicken out, imouto," I scolded.

"…

I-I… I have mutual feelings… Yuka Akira…"

His face was about to brighten up, but it seems that Akira knows me really well as he suppressed his uplifting emotions and stared at me.

Nonetheless, Anna continued, "But… I really want to uphold Nii and Nee-chan's hypocritical advice…"

"Don't say it like that even if it's true…!!" Rin and I slammed the table in unison.

We're ignored.

"In truth… Nii already asked me if there is something going on between us. I have already realized my feelings at that point, but I have no reason to tell that, because Nii didn't ask that specifically…"

"Imouto, are you being serious or sarcastic?"

※ Note: If you are going to step inside the Sakato household, situations like the moment suddenly being ruined does not matter as the conversation will only continue after that. Please be warned and prepared.

"I-I'm happy that she feels the same… but I already understand and expected this, knowing how Gin and Ringo somewhat regrets what happened even if things are fine for them right now. So I would like to ask your opinion for this… while I also ask for you permission to woo your daughter."

"Do you agree that this is how Nacchi felt when he confronted Uncle Junpei?"

"Well, frankly… he was scarier."

"Whoever he is, I think I agree," Dad just went with the flow.

"Anyway, I've made my decision as her father. It would be unfair if I just outright refused after hearing what you have to say. On the side note, I am also thankful to you for saving my son.

So this is as much as I can do for you, Akira. I permit you to court my daughter, but of course I have my most tolerant conditions. You are free to visit her, but I will not allow you to bring her on dates unless she has graduated from high school. To be honest, I was considering until she finished her studies for reasons that surfaced just earlier, but that's as far as I can be lenient.

So do your best," Dad surprisingly shook her hand and I followed suit.

"I've seen your will already for protecting Anna last week so I am trusting your words."

And Kei gripped his hand rather "enthusiastically" and excruciatingly, "I'm counting on you, but I hope that you are already aware of what will happen otherwise if you mess up.

I know I can't break your hand right now, but Gin here has probably a thousand times stronger grip strength than me, so keep that in mind."

"I'm willing to shake your hands again when that time comes."

"Y-Y-Yes, sirs…"

"Just so you know, I know that Take will support you, but I trust that he will act as a father for once."

"Dad, you're basically saying that Tenth isn't a good dad."

"We'll, it's kinda true…" the son of the father in question agreed.

"You better tell Jean about this. He's a veteran in wooing Ai-san. And don't ask me or Rin for an advice. We won't help you."

"I'll remember to stay clear from you two, then."

"Just don't socially distance. We would be sad if you do."

"Yes…

And thank you very much for giving me this opportunity…!!"