Chapter 05 — Entanglements

◽At Jerry’s Place◽

The glow of the television cast a soft warmth across the living room.

Jerry lounged on the couch, black hair and pupils glinting faintly in the light—his Jerry state calm, reserved.

Around him, Emiko, Sora, and Shizuko sat comfortably, laughter mingling with the faint crunch of popcorn.

「I hope I wasn’t a bad host,」 Jerry murmured, eyes still on the screen.

Emiko chuckled softly. 「Considering you’re a university student… no, not at all.」

Jerry gave a faint nod. 「Thanks for saying that.」

Her lips curved gently, but her eyes lingered on him—analytical, thoughtful.

【His words are kind, but… there’s a coldness there. Like he’s present, but not here.】

Moments later, the quiet deepened. Both Sora and Shizuko had dozed off, nestled against the couch cushions.

Jerry blinked in mild surprise. 「That’s unusual… Shizu usually fights sleep till the movie ends.」

He rose quietly, scooping the girls up in his arms. 「Well… after I tuck these two in, how about we open a bottle? Tomorrow’s the weekend anyway.」

Emiko’s cheeks tinged faintly pink. 「Sure… just don’t overthink it. We’re just two single parents with daughters, that’s all.」

Jerry smiled faintly, expression unreadable as he disappeared down the hall.

◽Two Hours Later — In Front of the Fireplace◽

The crackle of fire filled the dim room.

Jerry’s hair and pupils had shifted to a warm brown—JJ now in control.

Firelight danced over his composed yet subtly mischievous expression.

【We were only supposed to have one bottle. But older women do love their red wine.】

Emiko rested against him, eyes reflecting the flames. 「Hey… can I ask you something?」

JJ tilted his head slightly. 「Yeah. What’s up?」

Her voice trembled, hesitant. 「You know the way I’m sitting… it’s—」

He interrupted with a quiet chuckle. 「At least tell me what you want… to my face.」

Emiko turned, gaze meeting his. Her expression softened into something serious. 「You didn’t call me over just for conversation, did you? So… just get to the point.」

JJ’s brown eyes gleamed with a teasing glint. His hand moved subtly, brushing hers. 「That answer your question?」

【Heh… called it.】

Emiko exhaled softly, half-amused, half-resigned. 【I knew it. He’s after me.】

Before she could pull away, he shifted forward—gently guiding her down onto the rug, his shadow framed by the flicker of firelight.

「Um… JJ?」 she whispered, nerves threading through her tone.

His left hand traced her jawline, movements deliberate. 「Emiko.」

Her breath caught. 【Is he… going to do it here? I mean, it wouldn’t be bad, but… I can’t have a poor male role model for Sora.】

JJ’s voice softened. 「Just say the word. I’ll follow your lead.」

【It’s in my hands… really?】

「Y-yeah…」 she murmured faintly.

◽The Next Morning — Jerry’s House◽

(Saturday, 02 April 2050)

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Emiko stirred awake, face buried halfway in a pillow. 「Ugh… I’m the worst.」

She grabbed the pillow tighter and screamed into it softly. 「Calm down, Emiko. You’re a grown adult…」

A faint aroma drifted through the air. 「Hmm? Someone’s… cooking?」

◽Dining Room◽

「Good morning, Mama!」 Sora chirped brightly.

「Morning, Ms. Mori,」 Shizuko greeted politely.

Emiko blinked in surprise. 「Morning, girls. Um… who’s cooking? I thought Mrs. Towa-san was off today.」

「It’s Shizuko’s papa!」 Sora replied with a grin.

「Really?」

「Yeah! Come on, grab a seat!」 Shizuko pointed enthusiastically.

Emiko sat, cheeks faintly flushed. 【Wow… he can cook too?】

From the kitchen, JJ emerged—a proud glint in his eyes.

「Enjoy the sleepover?」 he asked, setting down two trays.

「We did! Your house is cool!」 Sora exclaimed.

「Aww, thanks, Sora.」 JJ smiled warmly.

Emiko tried to stay composed. 「Popcorn chicken?」

「Yeah,」 JJ replied. 「Been a while since I cooked for more than just me and Shizu. Breakfast might take a bit.」

Emiko’s smile softened. 【He’s more considerate than I expected.】

Sora tugged on her sleeve. 「Mama, can you make this before breakfast, pleeeease?」

「Uh… no, sweetheart, I can’t.」

「Why not?」

JJ laughed quietly. 「Because your mom’s doing this all on her own. Unlike me—I’ve got Ms. Haruka and Naomi helping on weekends. Honestly? I respect her a lot for that.」

Sora’s eyes widened. 「Really?」

JJ nodded. 「Yeah. If it weren’t for Ms. Haruka, I wouldn’t even be here. Overtime at my business is brutal.」

「Being an adult sounds rough,」 Sora frowned.

JJ grinned. 「Now you get what your mom goes through. Even when she’s tired, she still makes time for you—even if it costs her.」

「Why would Mama do that?」

JJ’s tone softened, his expression sincere. 「Because mothers will give up parts of themselves for their children. That’s what makes them incredible.」

He clapped his hands suddenly. 「Boom! Chicken popcorn sandwiches!」

「Yay! Thank you, Shizu’s papa!」 Sora cheered.

「Careful not to talk while eating,」 JJ teased.

Shizuko cleared her throat. 「Um… Papa?」

「What’s up, Shizu?」

「I’d like one too!」

JJ blinked, delighted. 「Y-yeah? You want mayo on it?」

「Barbecue sauce, please.」

He laughed, preparing it neatly. 「Boom! BBQ flavored chicken popcorn sandwiches!」

Shizuko giggled. 「Do you have to announce it like that?」

「Yep! Like an anime hero calling their special move!」

She bit into it. 「Wow… this is really good! Why were you gatekeeping, Papa?!」

「I wasn’t—uh, I better get back to making breakfast,」 JJ mumbled, turning quickly.

Emiko rose and joined him, smiling softly as she rubbed his back. 「You did good, first-time parent.」

JJ blinked, almost flustered. 「You think so?」

「Yeah. Not many rich fathers can say they have a real parent-child bond with their kids. You did well.」

JJ’s lips curved faintly. 「…Thank you, Emiko.」

The morning light danced across the table as laughter filled the room—simple, unforced, and human.