Pov Manami
Walking alongside the road, I held the child's hand, matching his steps, adjusting his hat.
-Kai, has any extracurricular activity caught your interest?
-Karate and gymnastics, Father, sir.
Taking steps beside the child, I turned to look above his head, trying to see his face.
-You should know that when summer starts, you'll be able to choose how to do that, Kai.
-I understand, sir.
-Even if it means upsetting your mom.
In a playful tone, I used my other hand to stroke the child's long hair.
-You know, when she gets angry, no one can stop her, not even me.
-I'm sorry; I don't want to bother you, sir...
-*Sigh* It's not bothersome; your mother has always treated me this way.
Hand in hand, we enter a store.
- Excuse me, do you have service?
A man with makeup emerges from the bar, looking in our direction; the extravagant style with decorated nails is noticeable.
- Oh, sweethearts, you've come for your appointment today.
- Of course, Reji. The boy needs to look presentable for his upcoming trip.
- That's right.
Without moving much from our spot, the man starts walking to one side, pointing to a high chair.
- Come here, sweetheart; it's time to make you look very elegant.
My son looked at me as he took off his hat.
- "Do you want my approval?"
Nodding, the boy began to take steps towards a piece of furniture to leave his things.
- "What's wrong with him today?"
- You have a very polite boy, Manami-chan. Are you sure you didn't steal him from the hospital?
Frowning, my tone changes to a clearer one as I watch my son climb onto the chair.
- The service begins.
- Yes <3
With his long nails, the man separates the boy's hair, starting to cut strands on the sides with scissors.
- Cut the hair on the sides; leave enough on the top to style.
- Yes <3, leave it to me.
The man, with great care, takes his scissors, cutting the boy's hair little by little as time passes.
- I'm sorry, Manami-chan, but your son...
Approaching the chair, I position myself beside the boy.
- He's quite the little gentleman.
Cleaning the fallen hair on his shoulders, I look at the top of his head.
- Son, does it itch?
- No, sir.
Leaving the store, hand in hand with the boy, we begin to walk, looking at the darkened sky; the boy's steps become faster.
- Am I walking too fast?
- No, sir.
..........
Upon reaching the door of the apartment, a woman dressed in a white shirt and black pants, along with high heels.
- Welcome.
The woman was quite happy; her lower lip seemed intensely red, landing on my neck.
- *Mwah* You *Muah* are my life.
The woman hugged the boy, painting his cheek red.
- We're back, mother, ma'am.
The woman, a little confused, tilted her head, looking at the boy in her arms.
- Well... dinner is almost ready, and the bath too; hurry in, Kai-chan, before sitting with everyone.
- Yes, ma'am.
The boy, leaving his shoes at the entrance, began to walk into the apartment.
- Wait, Kai, let's take a bath together.
- Yes, sir.
- Bring a towel for me.
Entering the apartment, the woman in front of me turned with the same confused expression; the corners of her eyes seemed droopy.
- Dear, could it be that...
- I don't know why our son is like this, and I don't like it; I want to talk to him more calmly.
Crossing my arms, my expression tightened.
- I don't want any of my relatives to know about him.
The woman interlocked her own fingers, lowering her head a bit; I kissed her forehead, entering the apartment.
- Don't worry; I won't take long. Depending on what he says, I'll go out again.
- I'm sorry...
- You don't have to worry, Ritzuko.
...........
Putting soap between my fingers, I start to caress the boy's head in front of me.
- Tell me if it hurts, Kai.
- Yes, sir.
Starting to rub off the excess hair, it slides off the soap.
- Kai, are you angry?
- No, sir.
- Do you feel pressured?
- No, sir.
Pouring a bucket of water over the boy's head, I remove the remaining soap.
- Get into the tub quickly, Kai.
- Yes, sir.
- Give me some space.
Sitting in front of the boy, the significant difference in height and body size is noticeable as I stretch my hand to adjust the small strands on his forehead.
- Kai, what happened to you today?
- Nothing, sir.
- Is that what I mean, Kai? Where did you learn to speak that way.
- At school.
Looking him in the eyes, my other hand holds my leg firmly.
- From whom?
- The teacher taught me not to speak incorrectly to people I respect.
Releasing my hand from my leg, I touch my chest, exhaling dramatically.
- Well, son, can you do me a favor?
- Yes?
- When you see that lady, tell her that she will never find a husband and can only marry herself.
The boy, confused, tilts his head.
- Why?
- I never taught you to speak to me like that, son.
- But I'm being rude.
- I'm more concerned about your formal language, son.
Resting my head against the wall, I place one hand on my forehead.
- You're a child; it's normal for you to be free and express yourself as you like. I'm your father, and you know me; I don't have to pretend anything with you.
- But that's wrong.
Lowering my head, I rest my head on my fist.
- Son, I always give good-bad advice because I'm a first-time father, so if that worries you, let's make a deal.
Opening the palm of my other hand, I put it in front of the boy.
- You'll speak to me informally, but you'll always treat me formally.
- Why?
- I told you I give bad-good advice; I don't want many rules, son, but I want to have a memory when I'm older and can embarrass myself.
- But...
- Yes, I'm already very old.
The boy lowers his head, clasping both hands.
- I care little about how people see our relationship, son, and if they bother you, you have my permission to confront them.
- That...
- But if an adult bothers you, I'll show him that there are easier ways to give me his buttocks.
The boy suppresses a small laugh with his head down.
- That's what I mean; so what do you say, son?
Stretching his small hand, he touches the palm of my hand, smiling in my direction.
- Sounds good, dad.
- Good, then.
Leaving the tub, I grab the towel nearby.
- I'll show you the secret of men, Kirijima.
- Aye.
Unfolding the towel completely, I stretch my legs.
- For proper drying, only three taps are needed.
Using the towel, I hit my groin, making a sound that resonates in the bathroom.