Chapter 145……………………………………………
The deep red eyes that seemed to pierce right through me sparkled, reflecting the streetlights.
I thought they were beautiful from the very first time I saw them, but now, looking into them like this, it felt like I could be sucked in…
“Uh, uh?”
As I stared at Per’s eyes, I suddenly caught my own reflection in them and finally snapped back to reality.
“That was close—almost got completely hypnotized!”
Why does he look at the street and say he likes it with that kind of gaze?!
“You… it’s good that you like it too!”
I quickly looked away before being further entranced.
After making that decision, I forced my gaze away from Per.
And what was that last “I like it” about?
For a moment, my heart raced, thinking he meant he liked me!
If the other dads had heard that, they would surely have said:
“The kid’s barely even grown up and already trying this dating stuff?”
“Barely grown up and already trying this dating stuff?”
Just then, the exact words I had imagined tumbled from above my head.
The voice belonged, of course, to Kyle’s dad.
“And with me watching with my own eyes? This little brat?”
“Oh…”
Now that I think about it, dads have great hearing.
I carefully let go of Per’s hand and pursed my lips.
Even though only Kyle’s dad had spoken, I had already seen it—Harzen and Shion’s dads weren’t much different in expression.
Normally, Per would have clarified that he didn’t mean it that way…
“Honestly, I might have misunderstood this time too.”
So this time, Per can deal with the consequences himself.
“C.C…?”
Per’s voice was empty, as if shocked that I had let go of his hand.
“Ah, I want to eat the meat pie now! I’m so hungry!”
I deliberately shouted loudly, pretending nothing was going on.
Sorry, Per.
But wouldn’t it be better for you if I looked away for now?
“…Right, first things first, we need to eat.”
Shion’s dad quickly rearranged his stern expression and forced a smile.
Even so, it was only the slightest lift of the corners of his mouth.
“Shion’s dad really does a lot.”
If it weren’t for him, Per would probably be surrounded by the other dads and scolded by now.
Not the most honest, but still the most reasonable dad—highly recommended!
“We’re not too far from there, so let’s go quickly. The line could be long.”
Shion’s dad held my hand and began leading the way.
As I was pulled along, I reflexively reached out toward Per.
“Ah, yeah. Let’s do one, two, three together—it’s been a while.”
But even that hand got snatched by Kyle’s dad.
“No, Kyle’s dad, that’s not it. Per too—”
“He’ll be fine taking care of himself. Right, kid?”
“Of course.”
Even Harzen’s dad nodded in agreement with Kyle, smiling.
It was a slightly cold, sharp smile, different from his usual gentle one.
“Be careful not to get lost.”
Even so, Harzen extended a hand politely to Per.
Per stared at it, then let out a small snicker.
“I can follow just fine.”
“….”
“As you can see, I’m not fully grown yet, so I can move fast.”
Wow.
“What a provocation…!”
Hearing that, I quickly turned my head and started walking forward.
Honestly, I didn’t want to be caught in that battle of wits.
Per and the dads continued their little skirmish.
I was going to go eat the meat pie…
Fortunately, in front of the meat pies, all humans were equal.
Once food was in their mouths, everyone became calm as if no argument had ever occurred.
“Be careful, it’s hot, C.C.”
Shion’s dad blew on my meat pie to cool it.
“Mahier!”
I opened and closed my mouth to cool the pie, exclaiming in pure admiration.
“The juice is incredible!”
It was hot, yes, but that made it all the more delicious!
A heavenly taste, unlike anything I’d ever had at the royal palace…!
“♩♬ Delicious… no, it tastes even better than before!”
Kyle’s dad took a big bite, showing a serious expression of truth.
Even Harzen’s dad, normally refined, had momentarily set aside his composure, lost in the flavor of the meat pie.
“It really is that good.”
I wanted everyone to enjoy this heavenly taste.
I subtly glanced at the boy standing next to me.
In the midst of meat pie bliss, Per alone still wore a sullen expression.
“Per, Per.”
I called to him until he finally looked my way.
After some time, Per could no longer resist my persistent calling.
“Ah~”
I brought the meat pie to his mouth as if saying, “Finally.”
Per reflexively pulled his head back, then, seeing my earnest expression, finally took a bite.
“How is it? Tasty, right?”
Even you couldn’t refuse this taste. I guarantee it!
“…Tasty.”
As I expected, Per relaxed his frown and muttered softly.
“Let’s eat this together.”
I immediately smiled brightly, broke half of the meat pie off, and handed it to him.
“He must have been just as hungry as I was.”
Of course, I had bought enough for both of us, but sharing made it twice as delicious!
And he probably wouldn’t eat it if I didn’t share.
“There’s plenty here, so eat as much as you want.”
Shion’s dad pointed to the bag he was holding.
I smiled warmly but shook my head slowly.
“I’ll save the rest for when Mom comes. We’ll eat together later.”
Honestly, the pies were so big, even sharing like this would fill us up.
“So thoughtful.”
“Our daughter is so good and innocent, what should we do ♪♬ …”
Kyle’s dad muttered, pretending to wipe away tears.
Somehow, it felt like his gaze toward Per grew sharper—but maybe I was imagining it.
“Mom will be here soon too.”
Shion’s dad lightly ignored Kyle and spoke again.
Come to think of it, this was the front of the Hiteplatz theater.
The theater, huh…
“Dad, what kind of performance is inside?”
Hearing my question, Harzen’s dad frowned and replied:
“Hmm… I know the plays change periodically, but it’s been too long since I last came here…”
“Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Kyle’s dad shrugged.
“The best-selling stories have been set for years anyway.”
“Best-selling stories?”
“Yes.”
He then looked at Per thoughtfully.
“If you’re curious, want to go take a look?”
With a teasing smirk, as if provoking Per, he asked.
Why is Dad suddenly doing this and making everyone uneasy?
