"Sorry, did I make you wait?"
"No, son. So, what do want to talk about it?"
I asked Mom to give Dad a call because I wanted to talk to him this weekend. To be fair, I wasn't expecting him to accept the request—after all, it was kind of last minute. But to my surprise, he accepted.
Now, we're sitting on a bench in the middle of a park. My mother and his wives are sitting far enough not to hear our conversation, but close enough to rush over if anything happens. What a weird situation, but I guess it's expected.
"Before we start, I'm kind of worried about Mom's relationship with your wives."
"That's okay, don't worry. Maybe they had fights before, but it's not like they hold grudges."
Well, instead of worrying about my mother, I should focus on him—my father. Yeah… he is my father now.
So, I take a deep breath to prepare myself.
"Dad, sorry for disrespecting you. I realize I wasn't reasonable when we talked that night." — I bowed my head.
"No, Tomoki. Without understanding your pain, I just hit you and said something I shouldn't have. I'm sorry, son."
Then both of us stayed silent. It's really hard to open up your feelings, but if I really care about my mother, I need him—my current father.
"You see, Dad... When you asked me to live with you, I couldn't stand the idea that Mom wasn't part of it. And every time I asked about her, it felt like your answers always meant... you didn't care about her at all."
"That's… No, son. I love your mother. And you too. I already talked to her about you moving in. She always said you missed me—that's why I asked you to come live with me."
"I know, and I really appreciate it. It's true... I missed you. But then, what about Mom? She's strong, but the idea of her living alone is something I just can't accept."
"Tomoki... You know I have other wives and daughters. Your mother made the decision to live separately because she believed it was best, and I respect that."
"That's what gets me, Dad! Why didn't you run after her? Why didn't you beg her to stay with you? How could you just accept it and move on like it meant nothing?"
"I don't understand, son. What are you trying to say?"
"What I want to say is... Dad, you chose your wives over Mom, right?"
"Tomoki, I love your mom. I love all my wives. Sure, I didn't come to see you and your mother often, but I did come, right?"
"Yeah, you're right. But to me, it felt like you were doing it out of obligation, not love. So tell me, Dad… you chose them over Mom, didn't you? Am I wrong?"
"What do you want from me? Should I just abandon my wives and daughters to be with you and your mother? Is that what you want?"
"Yes."
"... What!?"
"Yes, Dad. I wanted that. I really wanted you to live with us instead of with your other wives and daughters. You should've visited them once a week or month. That's what I really hoped."
"Tomoki! That's insane!"
"Yeah, insane, right?" — I took a deep breath. — "But the thing is, Dad, I know a man who would have done that for her."
"Is there another man who... likes her?"
"...Yeah. Every day, he'd wake up early to make breakfast for her. Whenever she got sick, he'd stop working just to help her. When they had a big fight, he'd buy her a slice of cake to apologize. And whenever they needed to make big decisions, they'd stay up all night figuring things out together. And lastly—"
"..." — I could see my current father's eyes widen in surprise.
"Even when Mom looked like she was smiling, he could tell right away that she was forcing it. And when that happened, he'd take over all the house chores—just so she could rest."
"Hey, Tomoki... is this guy some kind of prince charming? This kind of man doesn't exist, you know." — he said with a playful smile.
"You´re right." — I looked him straight in the eyes. — "He´s not here anymore. Not here… anymore."
"If that's the case... it seems like you really looked up to him."
"..."
Awkward silence. Maybe I said something I shouldn't have.
I mean, the person I'm talking about is literally him—but from another world.
But at least, I said what I was holding in. That's enough for me. Besides, I can't make him feel uncomfortable every time he sees me or Mom.
"Dad... let's just stay like before. Now that I think about it, I don't want you to abandon your other wives and daughters."
"What happened? That's the complete opposite of what you said." — he replied, puzzled.
"Don't get me wrong. It's just that, because I know how painful it is—knowing my father is with another family—I don't want my sisters to go through the same thing."
"Tomoki, I—Alright. I understand."
Again, silence filled the air for a moment. It seemed I was being too harsh on him once more. I guess I'm still being unreasonable toward him.
"Dad, there's something I wanted to ask."
"Sure, go ahead."
"How did you marry all your wives? And... why?"
"Haha... When you were little, you asked me the same thing."
"..." — I stayed quiet.
"You see, son, all my wives proposed to me on the same day. It caught me by surprise. At first, I couldn't give an answer, so I postponed it. Each of them was beautiful and had a unique personality—it was hard to choose. But I couldn't leave them hanging, so I told them we shouldn't date, since I wasn't sure."
"You're really popular. I envy you."
"Come on, son. I bet there's a girl who likes you."
I thought about Tachibana-san. Maybe I am popular... I just realized that.
"So... how did you end up with all of them?"
"When I said we shouldn't date, they all cried. I felt terrible, so I tried to cheer them up. But they told me there was no man who could be kind and handsome like me. They said they'd rather share me than lose me."
Kind of hard to imagine a woman saying that to a man. But I guess... that's how it is here.
"So I asked if they were really okay with that. I didn't know how I could treat them all fairly. But even then, they said it was fine—because we'd have the best relationship together. Haha... that really takes me back. I guess I was too naive back then."
"I see... Thanks for telling me."
"You know, Tomoki... I don't regret choosing them. Sure, our relationship isn't like it used to be. But still, I enjoy the little time I spend with each of them—including your mother."
"You really love them."
"Of course! Otherwise, I wouldn't have married them, you know?"
I really shouldn't compare my real father with this one. Thinking calmly, he's actually a good father. Despite everything, he's here right now, talking to me. He did come visit, even if it was just for a day.
And honestly, even in my previous world, he'd probably be considered a good dad. Maybe not the best, but he's committed to seeing us. I need to acknowledge that.
"Tomoki... are you disappointed in me?"
"At first, yes. But after hearing you out, I realized I judged you without really knowing you. I'm sorry."
"I should be the one apologizing. Sorry, Tomoki. For not coming to your graduation ceremony. For not being there when you got the male scholarship from Sakurazai Academy. For hitting you when you were just worried about your mother... I'm really sorry."
Hearing all those apologies... my anger and frustration gradually disappeared. Understanding his situation made me realize I was wrong. I used my own values to judge him—and almost made a terrible mistake.
Anyway... I'm glad I talked to him.
"Come on, Dad. Your wives would be mad at me if I made you apologize this much—including Mom."
"Hahaha... they do get scary when they're mad. When that happens, I buy them flowers. That's my tip for you."
"Noted!"
We finally got to talk openly. Somehow, we made amends. I hope he comes to see us again soon.
Then we headed toward where Mom and his other wives were sitting.
It was time to say goodbye.
"Thanks for talking with me, Dad. Hope to see you again soon."
"Yeah, I'll look forward to it. Goodbye, son."
"Goodbye, Dad."
His other wives waved goodbye to me with a smile, and I did the same. But then, my father turned back and spoke in a softer tone.
"Tomoki, I forgot to ask something important."
"Huh? What is it?"
"Take care of your mother for me, okay? I know I should be the one doing that, but right now, I can only rely on you. Well, it's not like I even need to ask. Haha... See you next time."
Then he and his other wives got in their car and returned to their home.
[Take care of your mother for me...] —That really takes me back. It's one of the few things I remember from my real father. My current father decided to live with his other wives, and I respect his choice. But still... I can't accept it.
Everything I learned from my parents—I don't intend to forget. I'll hold on to those lessons. Sure, I won't push them onto others thinking I'm always right. That wouldn't be true.
"Tomoki... I'm proud of you. You've really grown up."
"Come on, Mom... Thanks!"
Father, Mother... If you're watching me, I hope you're proud of me—wherever I go. Maybe I'll make mistakes. A lot of them. But I won't forget what I learned from you.
And lastly, Ayame-san. If it weren't for you, I might've lost my way—and even my family. One day, I hope I can do the same for you.
Well... not that you'll need it.
But if that day ever comes—I'll be there for you. Just like you were for me.