Standing there, the pressure in my chest intensifying, Yumiko knocks. Why is she knocking, though? Isn't this practically her mansion?

"Yes, come in," a voice calls from within. An uneasy feeling stirs in my throat as Yumiko opens the door.

'This is Julian, my father,' she explains, and I swallow hard before stepping through.

Walking in, I take in the atmosphere. It's spacious and cozy, with a fire crackling against the wall, filling the room with warmth. A table sits in the center, surrounded by sofas adorned with luxurious details and leather accents. A chandelier hangs overhead, its light casting a soft glow across the room.

Beyond the room's cozy atmosphere, the man seated on the sofa exudes an aura entirely different from the space itself—intense yet warm. He wears the smile of a wealthy man, and his presence feels like someone who speaks with a confidence and authority from a completely different world than mine.

"Oh… It's my daughter. Welcome home." He settles back in his chair, relaxed, with a gentle smile. "And who is this young man you've brought?"

Bowing my head gracefully, I respond, "Hello, I'm Kaito Nakamura. It's an honor to meet you, Sir." I do my best to keep my voice steady, though I feel a little shaken.

Amused, he regards me with a kind yet composed expression. "Oh, there's no need for such formalities. If you're Yumi's friend, you're mine as well. I'm pleased to meet you, Kaito."

His kindness is surprising, far beyond what I expected. Yet, his air of refinement is so distinct—it feels as though he belongs to an entirely different world.

"I found him on the street. He needed a place to sleep, so I brought him here," Yumiko states without hesitation, her tone firm and unyielding.

"Come now, Yumi," Julian replies with a warm, playful smile. "Put a smile on your face. You can't look so upset with a young man like Kaito visiting our home." He chuckles lightly before adding, "And yes, of course, your friend is welcome to stay here."

"Don't call us friends, Dad! Stop jumping to conclusions all the time!" Yumiko snaps, crossing her arms in defiance. She turns away sharply, a slight flush creeping across her face as she huffs, "Hmph! I just found him on the street. He needed somewhere to stay, that's all."

Wait… is she embarrassed about bringing a guy to her house? That's unexpected—and kind of amusing.

Casting her comment aside with an indulgent eye roll, Julian takes a calm, measured breath before speaking again. "Please, come and sit, both of you," he says, his tone inviting yet composed. "I'd like to have a word with you, if that's agreeable."

"Of course, Sir Julian. I'd be happy to," I reply, trying to maintain a respectful tone. Yumiko, however, hesitates for a moment before reluctantly following me to the sofa directly across from Julian's commanding presence.

Yumiko settles beside me, though she chooses the farthest possible spot on the sofa, clearly maintaining her distance.

Out of the corner of my eye, I steal a quick glance at her. She's sitting with her legs spread wide like a guy, one elbow propped on the sofa's armrest and her head resting lazily in her hand. Her posture feels unexpectedly casual—almost boyish—given the refined surroundings.

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"Ugh," she sighs, the sound low and grumbly, as if the very act of sitting here is a chore. Her crimson eyes flicker with boredom as she stares off into the distance.

Now that I think about it, her red eyes are strikingly different from her father's brown ones. The same goes for her hair—its deep hue doesn't resemble Julian's. Maybe she inherited her looks from her mother? Red hair and red eyes… it makes sense.

My thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of a young maid with soft brown hair, carrying a golden tray with tea and three small, elegant white cups. Her movements are graceful, each step deliberate, as she approaches the table.

Lowering the tray with practiced ease, she smiles gently and says in a light, soft voice, "Enjoy."

"Thank you, Sophie," Julian responds warmly, his tone filled with genuine appreciation.

"Of course, Sir," she replies, bowing slightly before retreating quietly from the room.

Sitting upright, I do my best to hold eye contact, my expression serious and composed, but no matter how much I try, I can't shake the tension in my shoulders. Relaxing is easier said than done.

Julian, however, seems completely at ease. He briefly shifts his gaze away from me and turns to Yumiko. Crossing one leg over the other in a smooth motion, he speaks in a calm, measured tone. "So," he begins, his refined demeanor unchanging, "why didn't you tell me you went out today, Yumi?"

His voice holds no trace of anger—just quiet curiosity.

"Why should I? I can handle myself just fine," Yumiko replies curtly, her red eyes flicking away from his as if to avoid the conversation altogether.

Julian leans back slightly, resting an arm on the sofa's edge. "I don't doubt that," he says gently, "but I'd like to know when you're heading out. What you're planning. And most importantly, that you'll be safe."

His words are calm yet carry a weight of genuine concern, his gaze softening as he watches her reaction.

She responds with a quiet sigh, her exasperation palpable. To be fair, it's good that he cares—walking out of the mansion alone, especially as a noble, could easily make her an easy target for bandits.

However, how stubborn can one person be? He's only concerned about her safety. From what I've seen so far, her father seems like a genuinely good man.

"You could at least inform one of the maids or Miss Rina," Julian says, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment, though he quickly masks it with a soft smile. "But… did you have a good time?"

"Of course I did. The outside world is far better than being cooped up in here," Yumiko replies, her stubbornness as unyielding as ever. She crosses her arms and continues to wear the mask of anger, though it feels more like an act than genuine emotion.

Am I really supposed to be here for this? Sitting awkwardly while family members bicker isn't exactly my idea of a pleasant evening.

Julian's smile softens, his calm demeanor almost disarming Yumiko's defiance. "Alright, I see. Just… please, let me or someone else know next time you sneak out, okay, Yumi?" His voice is gentle, but there's a trace of concern underlying the request.

"Maybe," Yumiko replies with a dismissive huff, crossing her arms. Her tone carries that same stubborn edge, making it clear she's not quite ready to relent.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief as the tension begins to dissipate. Watching their exchange feels like intruding on something private, and being caught in the middle has been anything but comfortable.

Julian takes a moment, then turns his attention to Yumiko with a polite, almost fatherly authority. "Yumi, could I have a word with Kaito alone for a little while?"

"Mhm, sure," she replies, her voice rough but indifferent. With an exaggerated sigh, she rises from her seat, her movements brisk and slightly irritated.

"Thank you," Julian responds, his tone warm. As she strides out, he leans forward, setting both feet firmly on the ground, and picks up his teacup for a galant sip.

The door clicked shut behind Yumiko, leaving us enveloped in the room's quiet warmth. Julian set his cup down with deliberate grace, the faint clink of porcelain slicing through the silence. His gaze lingered on the flames, contemplative yet inscrutable.

For a moment, it felt as though the world outside had ceased to exist, his presence commanding every corner of the space.

"Now, Kaito," he said at last, his voice as smooth as the firelight glinting off the golden tea set, "shall we begin?"