My Dad is NOT Normal (And Neither is My Life)

Just as I was about to leave, fully ready to block my father's number and erase his existence from my brain, his voice stopped me.

"Ryo. Wait."

I turned around, arms crossed. "What now? Gonna warn me about the dangers of carbonated drinks? Or maybe the silent killer that is too much screen time?"

He exhaled sharply. "No. This time, it's serious."

I rolled my eyes. "Right, because sodium wasn't life or death."

"I needed them to leave first," he said, lowering his voice. "I knew those girls would be with you, and I couldn't say this in front of them."

A small chill ran down my spine. For the first time tonight, my dad didn't sound like a complete idiot. His eyes weren't goofy or tired anymore. They were sharp—dangerous, even.

I swallowed. "Say what?"

He leaned forward. "You think your little thing with Yuki Hayasaka is over? That she was the real problem? You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into."

I frowned. "What are you talking about? She's out of my life. We haven't even spoken in weeks."

My dad's jaw tightened. "Yuki isn't the issue, Ryo. Her father is."

My stomach dropped.

"What about him?" I asked cautiously.

My dad tapped his fingers against the table, choosing his words carefully. "You ever wonder why a girl like Yuki—rich, spoiled, powerful—would take such an interest in you?"

I shrugged. "I dunno. Because I'm irresistible?"

He gave me a deadpan look. "Ryo. Be serious."

I sighed. "Fine. I just assumed she was bored and looking for entertainment."

Dad shook his head. "No. She was testing you. Playing with you. Seeing what you were made of. And now that you've humiliated her and walked away? Her father is not going to let that slide."

I felt something cold settle in my stomach. "Okay, hold up. Who is her dad, exactly? Some kind of crazy overprotective businessman?" I chuckled nervously. "What's he gonna do? Send angry emails? Block me on social media?"

Dad stared at me. "Her father is Kazuhiro Hayasaka."

I blinked. "...Should I know that name?"

His face darkened. "He's one of the most powerful men in the entire country. A corporate tycoon with deep ties to some very dangerous people."

My throat went dry. "What kind of dangerous people?"

Dad's eyes met mine. "People who make problems disappear."

Silence.

I could hear my own heartbeat thudding in my ears.

"...Okay, you're messing with me, right?" I laughed weakly. "This is some elaborate prank to get me to eat vegetables or something?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" my dad asked flatly.

No. No, he did not.

I swallowed hard. "So what... He's gonna, what? Have me killed because I hooked up with his daughter? That's insane."

Dad shook his head. "Not killed, necessarily. But he's not the kind of man who lets an insult slide. You were just some nobody before. But now? Now you're the guy who rejected his daughter. Who tainted her reputation. He has ways of making sure you regret ever meeting her."

I felt my hands go clammy. "You're telling me this now?!"

"I only just found out," he admitted. "I have... connections. And I overheard something. Something about you. That's why I called your mother. That's why I needed to see you."

I dragged a hand down my face. "This is insane. What am I supposed to do?! Just pack up my life and run?!"

Dad exhaled. "Not necessarily. You just need to be careful. And you need to listen to me. Because believe it or not, Ryo... I'm not just some deadbeat dad who ran away. There's a lot you don't know. And it's time I start explaining."

My head was spinning. "Oh, great. Another bombshell. What now? You're actually an international spy? An ex-mafia boss? Some kind of undercover agent?"

Dad gave me a look. Then, to my absolute horror, he simply said:

"...Close."