The scent of grilled salmon and pickled plums filled the Mizuno household that evening, mixing with the faint hum of wind turbines in the distance and the gentle voices of Hikari and her mother preparing the table.
Aoi had prepared one of her best dinners. Not because she was nervous—but because Hikari was.
The Big Announcent
Earlier that week, Hikari had co ho, twisting her fingers.
"Mom, Dad... can Aoto co over this weekend?"
Aoi had smiled imdiately. Ren looked up from his tablet slowly, his gaze steady.
"Aoto," he repeated.
"He’s... soone I’ve been seeing," Hikari said quietly. "For a while now."
A long pause.
"What does he do?" Ren asked.
"He’s in robotics. He’s really kind and calm. He’s... different."
"Different how?" Ren pressed.
"Dad," Hikari groaned, cheeks burning. "You built an AI that protects the Earth. I’m just dating a guy who builds exoskeleton gloves."
"Gloves malfunction. Gloves break." Ren leaned back, crossing his arms. "He better not break your heart."
Aoi nudged him. "Stop scaring her."
"I’m not scaring her. I’m preparing him."
The Visit
That Saturday, Aoto Kisaragi arrived—modest clothes, shy smile, and a small box of Kyoto sweets in hand.
"Thank you for having , Mr. and Mrs. Mizuno," he said, bowing.
Ren narrowed his eyes. "You’re early."
"Sorry, I just—"
"That’s good," Ren interrupted. "Punctuality is important."
Aoi swatted Ren on the arm.
"Please ignore him. He’s been sharpening kitchen knives all morning."
Aoto managed a nervous laugh, while Hikari hid behind her hand.
Dinner and Interrogation
Over dinner, conversation drifted from research to hobbies, to how Aoto once accidentally flooded a lab trying to build a hydration drone.
Aoi chuckled and ward to him instantly.
Ren, however, leaned in.
"So, Aoto... where do you see yourself in ten years?"
"Hopefully... running my own design studio. Ethical robotics, modular assistive tech."
"And with my daughter?"
"Sir... only if she wants that future too."
Ren’s eyes narrowed. Then softened, just a fraction.
"Good answer."
After Dinner
As the sun dipped below the hills, Aoto offered to help clean up.
Aoi gave him the go-ahead, then pulled Ren aside on the patio.
"You like him."
"He’s... decent."
"You’re just grumpy because he reminds you of yourself."
Ren sighed.
"She’s still my little girl."
"She’s your brilliant daughter with your eyes and my fire. And she found soone kind."
"...He better stay kind."
Aoi leaned in, wrapping her arms around him from behind.
"You’re cute when you act like a lion."
"I’m not acting."
"You’re pouting."
Later That Night
Before Aoto left, he bowed again to both parents.
"Thank you, really. This ho... it’s incredible. And so are you both."
"Take care of her," Ren said, this ti more gently.
"I will. I promise."
As he walked out under the stars, Hikari leaned against the doorfra, watching him go, her heart fluttering in ways she never thought possible.
Ren stood beside her, hands in his pockets.
"He’s a good kid," he muttered.
"I know."
Aoi joined them, her smile soft. The house behind them glowed warm. The wind carried the scent of spring and the quiet hope of sothing new.
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