To suss you out

"I wanted to see why my daughter was so strangely happy when talking about you, Takeru," Said Ahel, "Just like how she was so happy when talking about Shusaku."

Yikes, she is damn sharp, You thought.

"Then... why that earlier nonchalance?" You asked.

"Wanted to suss you out," Said Ahel, "And now I'm right; you really do have something going on with Abirit."

"Wait, you mean... you weren't even sure?" You asked, trying to keep from raising your voice.

"I do have my instincts," Said Ahel, "And I never failed to trust them."

"Well, your instincts have earned my respect, okaasan," You said, "So..."

Ahel simply sighed, saying, "I won't lie in that I'm worried if such a relationship will work, and how Shusaku will react."

"So... you don't approve?" You asked hesitantly.

Ahel simply sighed.

"On one hand, I fear for the integrity of your family once Shusaku knows of your affair, and what it will do to your love life and Abirit's," Said Ahel, "On the other... I can see how much you love each other, just as I see how much Abirit and Shusaku love each other. She clearly wants both of you, yet hasn't mustered the courage to confess to Shusaku about the whole thing, if she ever will."

"When you put it that way, it does make sense," You said, "But what we have right now - all four of us - in this time, I wouldn't give it up for the world."

"I'd be disappointed if you did," Said Ahel, who then smiled, "Take good care of my daughter along with Shusaku, okay?"

"Of course, okaasan," You said, "Thanks for your blessing."

Just then, Abirit and Jehoichin choose that moment to come out into the living room, where Jehoichin asks, "So, had a fruitful discussion?"

"Indeed, my dear," Said Ahel, "You mind if we go out for a walk? I'd like a little fresh air."

"Of course," Said Jehoichin.

And Ahel flashed you a quick nod.

Once Abirit's parents were gone, Abirit then beckoned for you to sit down, and you instantly realise something was terribly bothering her.

"Is something the matter?" You asked.

For a pregnant moment, Abirit did not say anything, her lips trying and failing to muster the words building up in her throat.

Then, she said, "Should I tell Shusaku? About our... relationship."

You noticed that she omitted the word 'affair', since your relationship was well and truly and affair despite the loving sex she had with your dad. And why did Jehoichin look as if he were deliberately feigning ignorance or something? Or was it just you being paranoid due to your earlier talk with Ahel?

And yet, a gut feeling told you otherwise.

"You mean..."

"Dad talked with me earlier... about our relationship," Said Abirit, "Our... sexual relationship."

And that was when you realised your gut feeling was on point.

Her parents must have discussed this earlier, long before they flew here to Japan, You thought.

"I'm still not sure, actually," You said, "And honestly, your feelings over how he may react are as good as mine."

Abirit nodded.

"It's just... I don't want to give up either of you," Said Abirit, "I love you both, I want to marry you both, and yet I can't take more than one husband... it just makes me feel s-so..."

You instinctively hug her, letting her cry onto your shoulder.

"It's okay, Abirit, it's okay," You soothe.

"I'm sorry... for being so indecisive and selfish," Said Abirit.

"What are you apologizing for?" You said.

That evening, you celebrated this family reunion with a hearty dinner, your mind taken off with general banter about happenings in their lives and planned events, among other things.

Shusaku, being a hardworking loving dad and husband, always loves to shower Abirit with kisses and innuendos and other things, proving a comedic spectacle.

And that night, after a long hour of playing games on the Switch including Smash Bros (which predictably involves a certain vampire hunter), you to go sleep for the night, the warm, soft embrace of your mattress beckoning you to sleep. Abirit's parents went back to sleep in their hotel, despite Shusaku offering them a room for the night.

And yet, your eyes remained open, your mind far too active to settle down for a peaceful sleep.

Damn, this really bothers me more than I thought, You thought, Maybe we should tell him eventually, and yet... I feel like I'd break Dad's heart if I ever did. He's been so gloomy since Mom's ****, and Abirit was who helped him become cheerful again.

The door to your room opened, and you saw Abirit coming in, wearing only her pajamas, as she lay down on the bed beside you.

"Can't sleep?" You asked.

"Yeah," Said Abirit.

"Does it still bother you?" You asked.

"Mm," Abirit replied.

You turned around to face Abirit, your hand touching her face.

"Whatever happens, I'll be there every step of the way," You said, "I promise you."

And Abirit crashes her lips on yours.