A lone girl sips her lukewarm tea, clacking her well-kept nails against her laptop.
"You better work otherwise I'll delete your stupid program..." She mutters with narrowed eyes, reloading a browser. She waits with an irritable scowl, glaring at her screen with less than hopeful eyes.
After a few seconds, a pop-up greets her.
Failed to connect. Please try again. If the problem persists, please check your internet connection.
Seeing that it had failed her once again, she groans, whipping her head back in forfeit. With a tightly clenched jaw, she muffles her cuss as she messes up her dark hair, smooth long tresses tangling together.
Trying to calm herself down, she breathes deeply and slowly through her nose as she clenches and unclenches her fists.
Now calmer, she lets out a deep, long sigh, releasing her reddened, throbbing fists.
"Oh...my...god." she breathes, then lowering her gaze at the screen. With the artificial light reflecting in her black-rim glasses, she glares at the unresponsive server. "Why won't you work for me, Skype...?"
Heaving a loud sigh, she adjusts her position on her well-worn, spongy lounge, then challenging the network once again. In one more desperate effort, she dials. Moments pass, and her call is quickly accepted. She nervously watches the screen, her tense fist pressed against her chin.
Thirty seconds or so pass, and the black screen changes to a man with slightly damp, coffee-brown hair. cozily sitting on a silken white love seat surrounded by maroon embroidered cushions. Wearing nothing but a hotel robe, he greets her with a lazy smile.
"Hey, darling. Can you hear me?"
"Yes, you?" She asks, staring nervously at the man inside of her screen. Wearing pleased smile lined with scruff, he gives her a thumbs up.
Relieved, she sinks in her coach with a long sigh, gazing at her ceiling.
"Jeez, that took way too long," she mutters, rubbing her temples, "I even wonder if it was worth the time and effort just to talk to you."
At her blunt comment, the man gapes, dramatically clenching his heart, creating creases in his once unwrinkled gown.
"Ayame, you're so cruel to your Daddy. Don't you love me enough to endure Malaysia's bad internet speed?"
"I never did in the first place, 'Daddy'." Ayame says, crossing her arms. Hurt by his child's harsh words, Rintarou covers his mouth, slowly shaking his head.
"Ayame, oh, Ayame...Why so distant? If you continue to be so mean, I guess I'll have no choice but to dib on you to Ema."
"In most families, it's usually the sibling who dobs to their parents, Dad."
"Well, then I guess we're just a part of the minority." he retorts, smiling with a hint of sarcasm. Ayame snorts, rolling her eyes. Seeing her amused smile, he curls a small smile, feeling his eyes soften. However, quickly remembering what he the intention of the call was, he loses the smile as quickly as he got it. A big gulp travelling down his scruffy throat, he snakes his hands over each other back and forth.
"…Speaking of families…" He mutters, deliberately trailing off. Raising a brow, Ayame watches his eyes nervously flicker about as he picks at a cushion thread, empty words trying to escape from his quivering lips.
Crossing her arms against her chest, she leans back into her sofa, watching him with a trained gaze.
"...Let me guess, this has something to do with you contacting me out of nowhere?"
He laughs shakily, running his rough and cracked hands through his lengthy, contrasting wet hair.
Bullseye. Heaving a soft sigh, Ayame crosses her legs, shutting her eyes closed.
"Ahaha…Yeah, there's something I need to tell you. Actually, quite a few."
Ayame's stomach turning queasy, she slowly flutters her open. Whenever he stated 'There's something I need to tell you,' it almost always turned out to be bad news.
She breathes in heavily, preparing herself for bad news. "...Yes, what is-"
"-I'm getting remarried." He blurts out, leaving his eldest daughter stunned. She stares at him in silence, no words escaping from her involuntarily gaping mouth.
Her father remarrying? Impeccable.
Ever since her mother ran out on him, he was always fearful to touch a woman ever again, let alone marry.
Hearing his short, awkward cough, she hurriedly tears through her stupefied trance.
"O-oh…Congratulations." She clumsily stumbles out, though questions still roaming around her head.
Why was he suddenly getting remarried? Had he overcome his fear of heartbreak? Was his fiancee a good suit for him? Did he only decide to remarry because they lacked a mother figure in their lives?
Questions were popping up second by second, turning her brain into mushy turmoil. Ayame takes a few deep breaths, trying to cool down her overactive brain.
A few seconds of tense silence pass before she eventually lowers her head, meeting eyes with her father.
Spotting her small smile, Rintarou lets out a soft sigh of relief.
"So…who's the unlucky lady?" She jokes sardonically, as was her jokes with her father usually were, trying to ease the awkward mood.
"Miwa Asahina. The CEO of a famous apparel brand, called 'Sunrise'. You might have heard of it."
Not denying the 'unlucky' part as she expected he would, Ayame's awkward grin drops into one of a frown. Feeling uncomfortable with his sudden change of demeanor, she reaches out to her cup of tea, hoping it to work as a distraction of her uneasy feeling in her stomach.
"And…the woman of my life." He boldly states, crossing his hands over each other.
Hearing Rintarou's absurdly embarrassing statement, she coughs uncontrollably, the tea getting caught in her throat. As she chokes, tea slips out of the cup, spilling all over her paisley coach.
"H-hey, you didn't have to react like that!" He bashfully protests, his face dark red like a middle-schooler having their first kiss.
"It's…eugh, 'cause you said…ueegh!...S-something so out of character…!" Ayame chokes out, patting her chest firmly as she struggles to breathe, incessant coughs interrupting her words.
After a few seconds of finally gaining her breath, she unwillingly continues the conversation, curiosity beating awkwardness.
"So, what's so different about this one?"
"Ayame," He says with a low, scolding tone, then turning faint pink. "…that's your mother you're talking about."He coughs, feeling proud.
Ayame smacks her forehead, groaning softly under her breath.
"Dad, you're being excessively creepy today. Please stop." She begs, and he obeys, feeling a little embarrassed as a subtle blush dusts his cheeks.
A few seconds of silence ensue, and Ayame peeks up, staring at her bashful father with a sly grin.
"…Well? Tell me more." She says, curiosity tainting her words.
Her father smiles brightly, as if he were itching to tell her about his new love of his life.
"Well, where should I start?"
"And then Miwa said this! 'I don't mind if you're afraid of having of a relationship. After all, I can't say that I'm 100% secure with having one at this age, either…But, I feel that I should pursue. I feel that we're meant to be. So, I'll ask you solely backed up by my whim. Will you marry me?' That's what she said! Isn't she so manly~? I just fell in love with her confidence and-"
Ayame had the urge to throw the nearby cotton cushion at her father's, sparkling bright face, or rather, laptop.
Ayame was tired. So very tired. Her father has told Ayame this story six times already and all other minor details about Miwa, such as her favourite colour and shoe size.
Taking a peek at the edge of her screen, she sighs.
9:56
From memory, they had started the Skype call at around six-thirty, so Rintarou was effectively carrying on about his new beloved fiancee for about three hours. Ayame did try to cool him down, but he never stopped. He just kept on going. Even when the connection cut from the bad reception, he just called back. If she didn't answer, he would call continuously for minutes.
Again and again.
Forever.
She was on the verge of just giving up, however, upon remembering that she had an important lecture to attend in the morning, desperation pushed her forward once again. Scooting up from her couch with a less than hopeful sigh, she perseveres one more time.
"Dad? If you could-"
"-I just couldn't believe that a woman like her was in love with me. Me!" Rintarou, oblivious to his daughter's qualms, continues on with a twinkle in his chocolate eyes.
"Dad…"
"She's just so regal, so beautiful, so-"
"Dad!"
"I'm just so thankful for her existence. If I never met her, I would've just-"
Realizing that just saying his name would be futile, she sighs, then mixing things up a bit.
"Miwa is an absolutely down-to-earth woman, I'm sure that the two of you will-"
"I think you shouldn't marry her!" Ayame yells, lying through her teeth, desperate to get his attention. However, a gulp of guilt immediately travels down her throat as she sees her father's crushed facial expression. His brows lower, a look of confusion and despair painting his face. He looks as if he were going to break by the slightest poke.
"…What?" He says, his jaw hanging weakly as he mutters the word.
A droplet of sweat tracing down her nape, she hastily goes to explain, involuntarily fumbling with her words. "No, no, no- Dad, Dad. I- I was just trying to get your attention because you weren't stopping, and I need to go to bed early tonight. I definitely approve your marriage, so relax, okay?"
She mentally curses to herself, slapping her cheek softly, as if to amend for her sin. Tears and crushed facial expressions always tugged at her heartstrings, especially when it came to people she cared about.
Sinking into the hotel's luxurious sofa, Rintarou exhales deeply, his face void of life.
"Gosh, you gave me a heart-attack, Ayame…"
"Well, you just wouldn't stop talking about her. What choice did I have?" Ayame sighs, then noticing her father's shy yet loving smile. Unable to help herself, a small, joyful grin creeps up her features.
...So even he's finally moved on, huh?
"…You're really in love with her, aren't you?"
Scratching his prickly chin, Rintarou bashfully laughs, a bit embarrassed to be acting like a teenager in his old age.
"I'm happy for you, Dad." Ayame blurts out, cupping her cheeks as she stares at him with a genuine smile. He thanks her with a small yet proud smile.
"Well, I'm hanging up. See you soon, or whenever we meet next," Ayame says, her cursor moving towards the exit button. However, to her surprise, is cut off by Rintarou's shaky, hasty yelps.
"Ah -wait, wait, wait! There's something else really important to tell you!" He cries, scrambling off the sofa while reaching out his arm in a mundane effort to grab her.
Obeying his hasty orders, Ayame ceases, staring at him with a cautious glint to her almond eyes.
"...What? The number of freckles on her body?" She says, observing her father. Although rolling his eyes, he answers back, surprisingly serious.
"No, but for your information, she has thirteen."
"…Seriously? Seriously?" Ayame mutters softly, staring blankly at her father. She was now officially worried for Miwa's safety.
"Can I just get to the point?" Her father grumbles, uncomfortable with being treated like a stalker. Sighing, Ayame allows him so.
"Miwa has thirteen sons, so you have thirteen new siblings." He informs her. Ayame freezes, her eyes widening.
...Thirteen? Also, sons?
Sinking into her chair, she sighs deeply, trying to ward off the uneasy feelings that came along with the abrupt news.
Sons, sons, sons...Boys. Hm... She thinks to herself, the words repeating as if she were chanting a mantra. Her lips sculpt into a frown. She didn't know what to feel. Was she be happy gaining new family members? Probably, yes. But something else from back of her brain spoke to her, things she would rather avoid thinking about.
Furrowing her brows, she hastily waves off the thought, not wanting to confront it. Although forcibly, her thoughts wonder off to Miwa.
Mother of thirteen...Well, she is the woman that he picked. Having an abnormality is the norm...I guess? Her lips harden into a frown, uneasy thoughts whispering to her. Hopefully, the number of kids she bore were the only thing unusual about her.
"...Well, that is pretty important news." She sighs, aligning her position.
"You're...surprised?" Rintarou squeaks, unsure on her feelings on the matter.
"Obviously yes, but considering this is your sweetheart, I'm not too entirely surprised. It would be worrying if she were normal, actually."
"Oh thank you,"
"The pleasure's mine."
"Well, leaving that aside, I'm glad you weren't too shocked," Rintarou says, exhaling deeply. However, his relief suddenly burns out, realizing the other important fact that he needs to say. He takes a big gulp before continuing. "Oh yeah…Another thing I need to tell you."
His uneasy tone sparks Ayame's a fire in her gut. She knew this one was not going to be to her liking, and also did he.
"…Yes?" She says, staring through his soul. He stays silent. "Go ahead," She says, encouraging him, not wanting to scare him.
"Well," He inhales deeply, preparing himself to blurt the words out quickly, "Miwa and I are going to move in together to enjoy our new married life and Ema said that she wanted to live with her new brothers, and I gave her my permission, so Ema's going to live with them now."
Rintarou exhales deeply, relieved he got the words out fast. He hesitantly looks up, anticipating her reaction.
Nothing. She was frozen. She was blank.
"Uh-uhh…Ayame-chan~?"
"…She's, what?"
Oh no.
A bead of sweat trails down Rintarou's neck. He knew this reaction. It was the same as that time.
Yes, exactly the same as the time he planned to travel around the world alone for three months to find himself, which meant leaving them alone to fend for themselves, as his policy was 'Independence and Liberty.'
Naturally, he did not get his way, as Ayame prevented him.
"…Moving in with her new brothers?" Rintarou squeaks, instinctively tensing up his body, guarding his face with his fists like a boxer.
First she'll freeze, then she'll rage, then she'll kick me in the gu-
Instead of a rage of insults, a very deep sigh enters his ears.
Taken off guard, he slowly opens his eyes.
"…H-huh?"
Ayame sighs deeply. "Dad, I'm not going to yell at you. I'm nineteen now."
"O-oh…" He says, surprised at her reaction. He decides to dip his toe further. "So…you approve?"
"Hell no." She says, offended by the thought. "Dad, Ema is not moving in with them. She's sixteen. Not even legal. She can't just move in with 13 men."
He gulps. Here comes the protests. But he couldn't back down. He promised Ema to somehow convince Ayame to approve, and though as selfish as it may sound, he wanted to live with his dear Miwa all alone.
"Ayame, they're family. Nothing bad is going to happen, I assure you." He coaxes, trying to sweeten her up. However, to his grimace, has his fake words backfired.
"Dad, I can never take your word. You may say they're family, but we weren't raised together. We're practically strangers. Things can happen. Why can't you understand?" She retorts, her bites getting worse.
"I do, I do. But, sweetie, I've met them. They're all very mature people and would never do such things that you're worrying about. Relax. They know their limitations. Plus, what adults would put their hands on a sixteen year-old girl, let alone step-sister?"
Well…most of them. Rintarou gulps, thinking about two possible threats, though not revealing his doubts to his face. It would be game over, after all.
"Even if you try to reassure me, I won't be convinced. Unless one of my conditions are fulfilled, I will not budge. You have three options; have Ema continue to live with you alongside Miwa, or you and Miwa live in the residence of her sons- oh, don't make that face!" Ayame chides, her father making a sad puppy face, not happy with the options present. Rintarou sulks as he is reprimanded by his daughter. As expected, she was adamant.
Sorry, Ema darling. Papa gives up. Forgive this weak man. He sighs as he apologizes to his sweet daughter in his mind. No doubt was she going to be disappointed.
"And, the third option is?" He asks half-halfheartedly, already given up on hope.
Ayame, who was still preoccupied with lecturing at her father, blinks. "Hm? Oh, have an older female figure in the house. Like Miwa, though you probably don't want that. Or a bodyguard…No, that's a little extreme…"
Ayame hums as she goes into a thinking mode, trying to find a good candidate. Rintarou brainstorms also, seeing as it was the only option available in his mind. Shortly, after a minute or so, he has a moment of enlightenment. A wide grin brightens his face, as he victoriously strikes a pose.
"A-ha!" Rintarou suddenly shouts, surprising Ayame.
"W-what?" She asks, a bit creeped out by her father's sudden cheer.
"I know the perfect candidate!" He cheers, extremely happy about his achievement.
"What? Who?" Ayame skeptically asks, looking at her ecstatic father. His already wide smile grins even bigger, showing his white teeth.
"You!" Rintarou shouts out, pointing at her. Ayame blinks a couple of times before his words sink in.
"What? Me? But I can't! I entered the dorm for a reason, you know." Ayame says, her priorities being her studies.
Rintarou shakes his head with crossed arms, "You're worried about commuting, right? Don't worry; the new house is unexpectedly close to your college. The more you know, right?" He says, wearing a proud smile, "Plus, to add cherry on top, you get to get away from Yukina."
Her body slightly tensing, she gulps at the mention of her roommate. It's not that she particularly had a problem with sharing rooms; after all she did enter a dorm, but that she had a problem with Yukina herself.
Yukina was, well, unique? She wasn't evil, but just really, really...open.
Or rather, a slut. A big one.
At least once a week, she came home with a guy or girl following her like a puppy as she entranced with cute giggles into their shared bedroom. It was now a habit of Ayame's to exit the bedroom before night struck, landing her in the tiny but cozy living room. And, coincidentally, today was the day Yukina the hunter brought along a little 'pet'.
As a woman's soft moans escape from the thin, pastel walls separating the living from the bedroom, Ayame groans, tempted to yell at the noisy neighbors.
Whenever things got too tough, Ayame would complain about her via phone to her Dad…which Yukina later broke by 'accident'.
Her fist pressed into her chin, Ayame furrows her brows, seriously considering his offer as the moans get considerably more louder by the second, and now joined in by a hoarse, male's voice. Rintarou hides his triumphant smile with a cushion, not wanting to annoy her.
"But…" Ayame mutters, "Wouldn't having fourteen people to live with be distracting? I do have my studies, after all."
His heart thudding loudly, Rintarou desperately tries to think of things to counter, and fortunately, finds one.
"But it's not like you'll be sharing a room with someone. Plus, I don't think any of the brothers can top Yukina." He says, wriggling his brows. Apparently, he also could hear their cries.
Ayame agrees, as she hears moans -yet again- coming from the bedroom.
Sigh.
"Fine, I'll do it. But you're buying me a new phone. Yukina soaked it in water and now it's broke." She says, sighing.
Rintarou, amazed that he won an argument with Ayame for the first time, immediately obeys.
"As you wish, princess!" He hums happily, striking a victory sign.
"Uh-huh. Goodnight. I'm hanging up." Ayame says as she slowly moves her mouse towards the 'hang up' button.
"Thank you, Ayame. Selamat malam~!"
Ayame closes her laptop before staring blankly at ceiling.
I guess things are going to become colourful… Letting out a sigh, she proceeds towards the bedroom to catch some sleep. As she turns the knob, the raspy moaning of a man and a woman enters her ears, making her grumble irritably.
She bursts the door open, earning a naked male's panicked wail and a just as bare girl's cheeky, expectant grin.
"Slut and boy toy! Break up the party because I need sleep!"
...Though things are already quite colourful.
A/N
Just rewrote my prologue for the third bloody time, haha! Felt it wasn't good enough, heck I'll probably come back and edit it later! Still feels like it's a bit shoddy, you see. DEFINITELY will re-edit my other chapters.
Now, just for the record, selamat malam is both Indonesian and Malaysian, so ya'll Indonesians out there; do not worry, I ain't culturally ignorant, so it's all dandy ;)!