Chapter 440: Father

[Urgent news: The sun has appeared in the night sky over Tokyo.]

[Investigations are ongoing into the cause.]

[NASA has reported a star approximately 1 km in diameter appeared 500,000 km from Earth. It collapsed within one minute of detection.]

[Effects currently unknown. Citizens are advised not to panic.]

"..."

Hayasaka sat in Rinji's house watching the news on TV. Nearly every channel was broadcasting the strange phenomenon of a sun appearing at night—except Tokyo.

"First the bizarre weather, and now a sun at night..."

"Yeah, weird stuff's been happening a lot lately," Nagi nodded.

Since Rinji left, he and Hayasaka had been waiting at home.

Click.

The door opened, and Rinji returned with Hina.

"Onee-chan!"

Seeing his sister, Nagi rushed over, overjoyed.

"Yeah, I'm home."

Hina rubbed Nagi's head gently. She was just as happy to be back on solid ground again.

This experience would be unforgettable for her.

Rinji didn't waste time after returning. He picked up the landline in the bedroom and called the research department. Within minutes, someone arrived with his repaired mobile phone.

After stepping onto the balcony to make a call, Rinji returned to the living room.

"Rinji, about what happened just now..."

"Yeah, it's all settled."

Rinji smiled.

"Though there was a bit of an incident, overall it ended pretty smoothly."

Hina was no longer the Sunshine Girl, nor did she have to worry about being offered as a sacrifice. Now, all that remained was dealing with the identity paperwork for her and Nagi.

"I'm really glad it worked out," Hayasaka said with a relieved smile.

Regardless of the outcome, she was just happy Rinji came back unharmed.

"Right… Oh, by the way, I should tell you something."

"What is it?"

"My dad's coming over in a bit."

"...Huh?"

"My old man's dropping by soon."

"I know that… but Rinji, your father suddenly coming here, I should..."

Hayasaka, usually calm and composed, suddenly panicked.

She had already met Rinji's mother, but not his father. And now, as Rinji's girlfriend, she was living in his home.

"Um… can I go home for now?"

"Huh? Why?"

"Because… your father's coming..."

As his girlfriend, she would have to face him as part of the family now.

What if he didn't like her?

Hayasaka truly wanted to run.

"It's fine. You'll have to meet eventually. Better to get it over with now," Rinji said. "Don't worry. Other than being a bit of an idiot, he's not so bad."

"But still…"

Knock knock knock.

Rinji: "Sounds like he's here."

Hayasaka: "..."

Too late to escape now.

If she ran after the father arrived, she'd leave a terrible impression.

With no other option, Hayasaka rushed into the kitchen to start preparing.

Hina, curious, said, "Rinji's father, huh… come to think of it, this is my first time meeting your family too."

"One meeting is all you'll need to forget," Rinji muttered as he went to open the door.

Standing there was a man in a black trench coat with black hair.

His left eye was hidden beneath his bangs. The other eye landed on Rinji, and he smiled, extending a hand.

"Son, it's been a while. Did you miss your dear old dad?"

"No."

"That quick answer really hurts your father's feelings."

"Please, be as hurt as you want. If you cry, even better," Rinji said with a grin.

"So cruel."

Rinji's father chuckled as he stepped inside and put on a pair of slippers.

Hina and Nagi looked at him curiously.

In terms of looks, he was clearly from the same category as Rinji—undeniably handsome. But while Rinji had an androgynous beauty, his father leaned more toward traditional masculinity.

And despite being a father, he looked extremely young—like a guy in his twenties.

"Um… hello, sir."

"Hello, sir."

After a short pause, Hina and Nagi politely greeted him.

"Ah, hello to you too," the father replied warmly. "You must be Amano Hina and Amano Nagi. My son mentioned you both on the phone."

"Yes."

The siblings nodded.

From his manner and tone, he seemed like a kind and easygoing uncle—just... unusually youthful.

"Dad, what are you doing in Japan all of a sudden?" Rinji asked as they sat in the living room.

"Obviously, to see my adorable son~" he said with a laugh. "Oh, and the other day you asked me to meet that girl from your school. We're having dinner tonight. But don't ask me again for this sort of thing. You know your mom doesn't like me talking to young girls. That's why I stay home most of the time."

"Atenbo-senpai, right? Did she say anything after your dinner?"

"She asked a few questions about the past. Oh, and invited me to stay overnight at a nearby inn. Very enthusiastic girl, but I already have a place to stay, so I declined."

"…I don't think she invited you just to 'stay overnight.'"

While the two were chatting, Hayasaka walked out from the kitchen.

She placed a freshly brewed cup of black tea in front of Rinji's father. Though nervous, she forced herself to stay calm and said, "Uncle, please enjoy the tea."

"Ah, thank you."

Rinji's father gently sipped the tea after thanking her, then smiled and said, "Such a polite girl. Is she your friend?"

"I…"

"Her name is Ai Hayasaka," Rinji said. "She's my girlfriend."

"..."

Hearing that, Rinji's father was slightly taken aback. He glanced at the blushing and slightly nervous Hayasaka, then at Rinji, who looked completely calm.

"Wasn't your girlfriend the one with black hair? You broke up already?"

"No, we didn't break up. I added another one."

"..."

Rinji's father put down the cup, his expression turning a bit complicated.

"Son, how should I put it… this might be the first time you've truly stumped your old man."