Chapter 27: New Friends

The Nishima living room felt unusually warm that afternoon, almost too warm. Yui had opened all the windows, brewed fresh tea, and set out little butter cookies she baked just for the occasion. She was excited; it wasn’t often that another mother praised Touko the way Reika Hanabusa did on Parents’ Day.

Reika sat with perfect posture, one leg crossed over the other, her heels still on like she was prepared for a surprise photo shoot. She was elegant in a sharp, expensive-looking blouse and a perfume that filled the room with a soft floral scent.

Kei entered with a small tray of tea cups.

“You really didn’t need to bring anything,” Kei said gently, handing her one.

Reika accepted the cup with both hands, smiling in a way that lingered too long.

“You’re such a reliable man, Nishima-san. I envy your wife.”

Her voice was smooth and practiced, like she had rehearsed it.

Yui laughed, light and flustered.

“Oh, don’t say that! Kei just likes helping out.”

Kei scratched his cheek, shy as usual.

“It’s no big deal. I’m just doing what any husband would.”

Reika’s eyes flicked to him again.

“Yes… any husband.”

Touko watched the exchange without blinking.

She sat directly between Kei and Reika, as if she’d carefully chosen the exact place where she could block something invisible. Her hands were folded on her lap, her back straight, posture flawless. She looked like the model daughter.

Yui noticed none of it. She kept chatting happily about Touko’s grades and the upcoming school events.

Reika complimented Touko generously.

“You’ve raised such a remarkable girl. Perfect grades, quiet, polite… Touko-chan is truly special.”

Touko bowed her head a little.

“Thank you, Hanabusa-san.”

Her voice was calm, but her eyes never left Reika.

If Kei moved an inch, Touko’s gaze followed.

If Reika leaned forward slightly, Touko’s gaze sharpened.

If Reika smiled too warmly at Kei… Touko’s fingers tightened around her own skirt.

She didn’t look hostile. She didn’t glare.

She just watched.

Steady.

Cold.

Possessive.

A cat watching a stranger reach toward its favorite toy.

Reika continued, unaware of the quiet war happening right under the table.

“Nishima-san, I was very impressed with how you handled Parents’ Day,” she said lightly. “You were so attentive to Touko. Most fathers these days barely show up.”

Kei waved his hands modestly.

“Oh no, I just wanted to support her.”

Touko’s eyes flicked up.

Support her.

She liked the way he said that.

Reika rested her chin on her hand.

“Still… a man like you is rare.”

Touko’s foot shifted.

Only Kei noticed the tiny movement.

Yui, happily oblivious, poured another cup of tea for Reika and began talking about weekend plans.

Touko stayed silent, sitting between her parents like a small wall of porcelain. She wasn’t jealous of Yui. She wasn’t protecting her mother.

Her attention was solely on Reika’s every gesture toward Kei.

When Reika laughed at something Kei said, Touko’s eyes narrowed at the edges.

When Reika brushed her hair back with a soft sigh, Touko’s posture stiffened.

When Reika touched her own knee while talking, Touko’s gaze flicked down sharply before returning to her face.

Reika finally turned to Touko.

“You’re so lucky to have a man like Nishima-san as your father.”

Her smile gentled.

“I wish Rurika had someone like that.”

Touko tilted her head slightly, polite but unnervingly direct.

“Papa is the best father. I don’t think anyone could replace him.”

Reika blinked at the firmness.

“Of course.”

Kei laughed softly.

“Touko’s a little attached to me.”

Touko lowered her gaze, but the smile she wore didn’t reach her eyes.

Attached was too gentle a word.

Yui nudged Touko’s shoulder, teasing.

“You really love your papa, don’t you?”

Touko responded without looking away from Reika.

“Yes. Very much.”

Reika suddenly felt… watched.

Not by Kei.

Not by Yui.

By the girl sitting so perfectly still beside them.

Touko’s polite smile didn’t move, but her eyes said something else entirely.

A silent message:

Stay in your lane.

Don’t lean closer.

Don’t think of him too warmly.

Reika cleared her throat and glanced away, uneasy for the first time.

The conversation continued normally, light and cheerful. Kei talked about work. Yui mentioned a sale on curtains. Reika praised Touko’s future ambitions.

But Touko didn’t join in.

She remained a shadow beside Kei, her presence small yet suffocating.

When Reika laughed one last time at something Kei said, Touko gently shifted her chair half an inch closer to him — barely noticeable, but enough to place herself unmistakably between them.

Reika’s smile faltered.

Touko finally spoke again.

“Hanabusa-san,” she said softly. “I’m glad you visited.”

Reika smiled back, unsure.

“I’m glad too.”

Touko tilted her head again, polite and sharp.

“I hope you enjoyed the tea.”

The words were perfectly normal.

But Reika felt them like a warning.

Kei didn’t see it.

Yui didn’t sense it.

But Reika left that day with a strange chill crawling across her spine.

And Touko walked her to the door with that same soft, sweet smile.

Right before Reika stepped out, Touko leaned close enough to whisper—

“Please come again.”

But her eyes said:

I’ll be watching you.