Chapter 32 — Glamorous Party

◽2 Days Later◽ (Saturday, 13 May 2050) 
◽At Hidashi Tomora’s Granddaughter’s Birthday◽
The estate buzzed with laughter and chatter, sunlight reflecting off silver trays and silk dresses.
Fujiwara looked around, his hand nervously tugging at his collar.「Man… this is kinda nerve-wracking.」Itadori chuckled beside him, trying to look relaxed. 「You’re tellin’ me. No matter how many of these high-society parties I go to, I still feel like an imposter.」Mika smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. 「Yeah… but thanks to senpai—」her gaze slid toward Nikolai, who stood at the center of attention like he belonged there—「we can fit in without an issue.」Nikolai smirked, his calm tone never rising above the hum of conversation. 「Mika, you’re older than me by two years. It’s only fair I make sure my crew looks sharp.」Mika laughed. 「You’re right…」 her eyes drifted toward the women around him, each radiant in her own way. 「So… they’re your girlfriends?」Nikolai’s eyes flicked over. 「Yep.」Mika blinked. 「You must’ve spent a lot to make them look that beautiful.」「Not really.」 His tone remained flat, indifferent, yet confident. 「I only bought their garments. Everything else on them is natural.」Mika gasped. 「Really?!」「Yep.」Mika grinned, leaning closer. 「So what do I have to do to get in your good graces?」Nikolai looked at her, expression unreadable. Then, with a faint ghost of a smirk—「There’s plenty of empty bathrooms here if you wanna find out.」
Mika froze, face turning bright red.
Itadori sighed, pushing him forward. 「Alright, Romeo, go talk to your family. We’ll handle ourselves.」Nikolai shrugged. 「Sure.」 He walked off, unbothered.Mika fanned her cheeks. 「Is he always like that?」Fujiwara chuckled. 「Yeah. You’re lucky it’s Nic and not one of the others.」Mika blinked. 「Others?」Fujiwara smirked. 「Those four over there? Technically not his girlfriends.」Mika tilted her head. 「Wait, you mean… they’re dating his alter egos?」Fujiwara nodded. 「Bingo.」
———
Nikolai approached his family, his usual composed air softening as Shizuko spotted him.
「Hey, everyone.」「Hi, Papa!」 Shizuko looked up at him suspiciously. 「You’re not thinking of causing trouble, right?」He smiled faintly. 「You know, a little trust goes a long way.」Shizuko squinted. 「Just know I’m watchin’ you like a hawk.」Hana giggled beside her. 「Mellow, you shouldn’t be so hard on your papa. He wouldn’t start trouble.」「I know, Mama. But last time he said that—he did!」 she pouted. 「Worst part? He left me out!」Hana raised an eyebrow. 「So you want to be part of the drama?」Shizuko puffed out her chest proudly. 「Mama, I Am The Drama!」Hana blinked, then laughed. 「Like father, like daughter, huh?」Nikolai smirked. 「You could say that.」Miyeon glanced toward the crowd. 「By the way, where’s the birthday girl?」Nikolai scanned the area. 「Don’t see her either.」Shizuko tugged his sleeve. 「Papa! Look—it’s Miss Minori!」Nikolai followed her gaze. 「You’re right. Wait—what’s she doing here?」「She’s on stage, so she’s here to sing! Put me on your shoulder, please!」He sighed but smiled. 「Alright, alright.」 He lifted her easily onto his shoulder.Shizuko inhaled deeply—「MISS MINORI!!!」
Heads turned. Minori and her group paused mid-conversation.
「SHIZUKO!」 Minori waved excitedly.「Hi!!!」Shizuko giggled and waved back. 「Papa, she’s coming this way! You can put me down now!」
He set her gently on the floor just as Minori arrived with her friends.
「Shizuko, you look adorable!」 Minori cooed.「Thank you! You look pretty too!」「Aww, aren’t you such a doll.」 Her gaze shifted to Nikolai. 「Hey, Jerry.」「It’s Nikolai.」Minori blinked. 「Oh, so you’ve got an actual name this time.」He shrugged. 「Yep.」Rina smirked toward Nikolai’s harem. 「So, they’re the lucky ladies?」「Yeah.」 He introduced calmly. 「Mei, Hana, Jiyeon, Miyeon—this is Rina, Hina, Minori, Suki, and Yumi.」Hana’s polite smile sharpened. 「Five-Star Glamor, right?」「Right.」Her tone cooled. 「So, which of you are closer to him more than you need to be?」Suki blinked. 「Uh… what do you mean by that?」Hana’s eyes narrowed. 「You know exactly what I mean. And it’s Hana.」Suki crossed her arms. 「Well, Hana, I don’t think we owe you that explanation.」Hana’s smirk turned cold. 「Alright then.」 Her hand went to her stomach. 「Seems like I’ll have to tell our little one about the poachers hanging around his father.」
The group gasped.
「She’s pregnant?!」 Suki blurted.Hana grinned. 「That’s right. So, friend or foe—what’s it gonna be?」
———
Jiyeon whispered to Mei, wide-eyed. 「I’ve never seen Hana this defensive… But why is she though, those five are famous. 」Mei sighed. 「It’s not the fame—it’s the intentions. Five-Star Glamor are beautiful, sure, but opportunists don’t always wear cheap shoes.」Miyeon folded her arms. 「JJ’s alters only start families after deep bonds. From Hana’s view—this isn’t about jealousy. It’s about protection.」Jiyeon’s eyes widened. 「You mean…」Miyeon nodded. 「Exactly. You never know who’s a homewrecker until it’s too late.」
———
Suki blinked, realizing. 「Oh! You don’t have to worry—」 she giggled nervously, 「there’s no way the manager would ever do that.」
Everyone froze.
「Wait—」 Hana looked at Nikolai. 「Manager?」Nikolai scratched his head. 「Yeah. There was a time I was deep in business—started a few myself before becoming a part-time cop.」Hana frowned. 「You never said you were managing Japan’s biggest girl group.」He shrugged again, calm as ever. 「Didn’t think it mattered. I own more in Militia anyway.」
The girls stared at him in stunned silence.
Nikolai recognized Minori's scent. So he glanced toward Hidashi. 「So, she’s your granddaughter?」「That she is.」Nikolai nodded slowly. 「Next time, teach your descendants discernment before letting them out. When I first met her, she was way too gullible.」Hidashi laughed. 「It wasn’t that bad, was it?」Nikolai’s tone went cold. 「Bad? Bruh, I kept notes. If she had another manager, she’d be industry prey by now. And the last note I wrote was January.」Minori’s face flushed pink. 「It’s not my fault you act like the dependable big brother I never had!」He sighed, exhaling through his nose. 「Minori, listen. I’ll be back in Militia soon—for work and family. I need to know you all can handle yourselves when I’m gone.」Minori looked down. 「So that’s why you don’t visit much…」「Yeah. Yumi’s got leadership, but you—」 he softened slightly, 「you lack awareness. Nine out of ten times, you don’t notice danger until it’s right behind you.」She pouted. 「So… what do you want me to do?」「Simple. Read those notes I wrote. And join a self-defense class.」Her eyes lit up. 「Can I join your class? You know, the one Hunter runs?」Nikolai froze. 「What?」「Hunter’s class! The gray one!」He sighed. 「I’ll see if he’ll reopen it… but don’t get your hopes up.」
Yumi cleared her throat.
Nikolai raised a brow. 「Fine, fine. You can join.」 He looked to Hana. 「You four too, if you want.」Miyeon smiled faintly. 「Lord knows I do.」