Chapter 19 : Confrontation

The day started like any other. Morning sunlight filtered through the half-open curtains of Asuka’s small apartment, catching the strands of her hair as she fussed over Yume’s breakfast. The little girl hummed happily, swinging her legs as she ate toast, while Reiji sat across from her pretending to study his phone but actually sneaking glances at the mother.

He wasn’t sure when it had become habit—watching Asuka move, memorizing the small lines of her face, the way she bit her lip when she was deep in thought. At first, he had told himself it was simple gratitude, admiration even. But after her late-night confession about Kazuma—the man who had abandoned her—it wasn’t admiration anymore.

It was something sharper.

Something possessive.

---

School hours were usually uneventful. Reiji kept his head down, focused on helping Yume adjust to her classes, and occasionally trading friendly banter with other teachers. But that afternoon, as the final bell rang, he caught sight of someone leaning against the fence near the school gate.

A tall man, sharp jawline, and an expensive jacket thrown carelessly over his shoulder.

Kazuma.

Reiji didn’t need an introduction—he just knew. The resemblance between him and Yume was uncanny, though Kazuma’s eyes held none of the warmth his daughter’s did.

The man smirked when he noticed Reiji approaching.

“You’re the new babysitter?” His tone was dripping with mockery. “Or should I say… substitute husband?”

Reiji clenched his fists but kept his voice calm. “I’m here for Yume. That’s all you need to know.”

Kazuma chuckled. “Cute. Really cute. Playing house with someone else’s leftovers. You must have low standards, man.”

---

The words hit like a punch to the gut. For a moment, Reiji almost swung at him. His vision narrowed, jaw tightening until he could hear the grind of his own teeth.

But then, Asuka’s voice from last night echoed in his head.

> “I don’t need a hero who ruins himself for me. I just need someone who stays.”

Reiji inhaled slowly, forcing the storm in his chest to still.

He met Kazuma’s sneer head-on, his voice steady. “She’s not leftovers.”

Kazuma raised a brow, amused.

Reiji stepped closer, eyes sharp. “She’s the whole damn meal. And you’re the idiot who walked away hungry.”

The smirk on Kazuma’s face faltered. Just a flicker, but Reiji saw it.

For the first time, the man’s casual arrogance cracked.

---

“Papa?”

The small voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Reiji turned—and his stomach dropped. Yume was standing just a few feet away, clutching her schoolbag with wide, uncertain eyes. She had overheard.

Kazuma straightened immediately, suddenly interested. “Yume.” His voice was falsely gentle, like he was rehearsing a role. “It’s me. I’m your father.”

The little girl didn’t move. She looked between them, her tiny face caught between confusion and fear.

Reiji crouched down to meet her eyes. “Yume… you should head inside. Mama’s waiting.”

She hesitated, then darted past Kazuma without a glance, straight into the school building.

The rejection was small, but it made Kazuma’s expression darken.

---

Kazuma clicked his tongue. “So that’s how it is, huh? You’ve been poisoning her against me?”

Reiji’s lips curved into something halfway between a smirk and a snarl. “Didn’t need to. Kids can tell who’s there for them… and who isn’t.”

Kazuma’s hand twitched like he might hit him, but then he scoffed and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Fine. Enjoy your little fantasy while it lasts. But don’t think this is over.”

He walked off, shoulders tense, his arrogance slipping with every step.

Reiji stayed where he was until the man disappeared down the street. Only then did he let out a long breath, unclenching his fists.

---

That evening, the apartment was unusually quiet. Asuka noticed immediately when she came back from work.

“Yume-chan, what’s wrong? You’re not usually this quiet.”

Yume pressed her face against her mother’s stomach, refusing to answer.

Reiji thought about lying—about saying nothing happened. But Asuka deserved the truth.

He spoke carefully. “We… saw Kazuma at school today.”

Her body stiffened.

Reiji continued, “Don’t worry. I sent him off. He won’t bother you here.”

For a long moment, Asuka said nothing. Then, softly: “Thank you.”

Their eyes met. There was something unspoken in her gaze, a gratitude too deep for words—and something warmer, something fragile she didn’t dare show fully.

---

Later that night, Reiji was lying on the futon, staring at the ceiling, still replaying the confrontation in his head.

That’s when he felt movement.

“Eh—!?” He jolted up as Yume wriggled under the blanket beside him, hugging his arm tightly.

“Y-Yume? What are you doing?!”

The little girl mumbled sleepily, “Mama was sad… so I’ll stay here. You make her smile. So you can stay with me too…”

Reiji froze, torn between laughter and panic. He was very aware of the soft warmth clinging to his side.

Of course, that was exactly when Asuka slid open the door to check on them—only to find her daughter snuggled up against Reiji like a tiny wife.

“...Reiji-kun.”

Her tone carried the quiet, dangerous calm of a woman who could either laugh… or murder him.

“M-misunderstanding!” he blurted, waving his free hand frantically. “She just climbed in! I swear, I didn’t—”

Yume snored softly against his chest.

Asuka covered her mouth, shoulders shaking. At first, Reiji thought she was furious. But then—she started laughing. Really laughing, the kind he had rarely heard from her.

And just like that, the heaviness of the day broke.

--

Later, after carrying Yume back to her futon, Reiji lingered in the living room. Asuka came out quietly, brushing her hair behind her ear.

“You always… protect us, don’t you?” she whispered.

Reiji scratched his neck, embarrassed. “Someone has to.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile, eyes glistening with something unspoken. She didn’t confess, not yet. But in that silence, Reiji realized something with absolute certainty:

He didn’t just want to help Asuka.

He wanted to stay.

Forever.