When she entered the apartment, Takumi was in the kitchen cooking.
“The runaway bride has finally returned.”
“Technically, it's not running away if I walked to the park and came back.”
“Right, I'll let you think that. So how was going to the park?”
“It was refreshing. Oh, I ran into Ichiya on the way back. I see he's still his usual self. You've got to teach him some good pickup lines or at least how to be romantic.”
“Believe me, I've tried.”
“You're probably not the best person to teach him because yours are just as bad.”
“Give me some credit.”
“Yeah, not happening. Oh right, before I forget, I got a job.”
“Why?”
“I can't depend on you forever. Plus, it's better than sitting at home all day doing nothing and, since I'm staying here, it's only fair that we split expenses between the two of us.”
“Yeah, I guess. You sure you want to do that?”
“It's not that bad. I'm just an entry-level AI engineer at a company that specializes in AI development and robotics. What was it called again? Ah yes, Sakuma Corp. Because I'm not an adult, I only work for like four days a week, seven hours a day. The guy even joked that any more than that would make them vulnerable to a child labour lawsuit. I get paid a fair amount for an entry-level job and I get a bonus if I work overtime. Plus, it's a 15-minute walk from here. So, as I’ve said before, it's not that bad.”
“How did you get it?”
“Oh, I have my methods.”
“Just a hunch, but I probably shouldn't ask, right?”
“Probably.”
“Anyway, when do you start?”
“Next week. I'll be working from Tuesday till Friday every week.”
“I bet dem legs would look fine in a pencil skirt.”
“You of all people should know that I'd never wear one. For the record, I'll be working in a workshop and occasionally on an open field for testing, so the only time I'll be in a suit is if I have to be in a meeting with clients, which will be rare given my current level. And bruh, leave my legs out of your fantasies.”
“I'll leave them out, but only if I can go in.”
“You suck.”
“A lot of things, I know.” He winked. Before she could retaliate, there was a knock on the door and Takumi went to answer it. “Uh...Twilight we might have a problem.”
“Why, is it your parents?”
“No, but I'm pretty sure it's way worse.”
“Who is it?” When she got no reply, she went to the door.
“Goddess, if you won't tell me, then I'll come and see.”
“Papa Wolf?” He grabbed her and hugged her so tightly that it felt like her organs were being squashed. When he let go, he took the rolled-up newspaper from his pocket and whacked her head with it.
“Why?”
“That was for making me worried. I had all the scouts look for you without rest for days. You’re going to give me grey hair one day.”
“Ok, I admit I deserved that. It was a dick move on my part. I’ll apologise to them when I come back.”
“I know what happened.”
“I think it's best if you come in and sit down so we can talk about this. Otherwise, the neighbours will think that you're a grown man trying to pimp out an under-aged girl.”
They sat in the kitchen.
*“Why am I here too?”* Takumi thought.
“When I heard about what happened, I wanted to pick up where you left off in beating up Trey. But his father took care of that, I put Takeshi in charge and immediately set out to look for you.”
“But how did you find me so quickly?”
“Gummy Bear, I'm your dad. I'd know your scent anywhere. Even if you went to another country, I'd still be able to find you.”
“Gummy Bear?” She kicked Takumi under the table.
“So, he's really your dad, huh? I wasn't sure when he said he was. You two don't look alike.” Unlike Twilight, her dad looked Japanese.
“That's because my Gummy Bear looks more like her mom except for her hair colour. Her mom had brown hair.”
“I see. Funny how Gummy Bear didn't tell me.” She kicked him again.
“Now I know why you haven't come home yet. Tell me something, is this my future son-in-law?”
“Papa Wolf, it's not like that at all. We're just friends, roommates at best.”
“Papa Wolf?”
“That's what I've been calling my dad for as long as I can remember. It's meant to be a joke, since we're wolves. My mom's Mama Wolf.”
“How did you end up with Gummy Bear?”
“She never could get enough of them.”
“Well actually nice to meet you, Mr Sakata. I'm Takumi, Takumi Rengoku and you can expect me to call your daughter Mrs Rengoku in the future and maybe a few grandchildren.”
“One word of advice, if I find out that you had your hands on my daughter, you can expect to be six feet under in the future.”
*“Wow, they have the same way of looking like they're about to murder someone.”* Takumi thought.
“It's all lies and slander, Papa Wolf.”
Her dad gave a look that says he knows that was not true.
“Aww. So, you were stringing me along this whole time?” She kicked him again.
“So, are you coming home anytime soon?”
“I don't think I wanna go back yet.” Her dad gave her a knowing look. “Don't get the wrong idea. It's not because of what you're thinking, it's for other reasons.”
“I'll let you stay with Takumi. Mostly for the sake of not having to worry about you being around so many male wolves when you get your first heat. But if I ever find out that he laid a hand on you, I'm dragging you back. Whether you like it or not. I know I want grandpups but not yet.”
“Never going to...”
Another knock at the door interrupted them. “I'll get it,” Twilight said. She came back a few seconds later.
“Prepare for major awkwardness because your parents are here. Or two people whom you look like.”
Right after she said it, his parents came in.