I was seated next to Akisame at the table with the rest of the Dojo members and Miu's teacher. On my other side, Miu sat, her eyes flitting about nervously. I rested my hand on her knee, smiling at her reassuringly.
"So he isn't living with Miu, he's merely residing here as a pupil!" the teacher said, chuckling. "I had no idea this was a dojo and I never would have guessed it was the dojo of the grand master. Despite the misunderstanding, it's been an honor."
"And we are honored as well," Hayato said. "It's always a pleasure to meet one of Miu's teachers."
"Please understand our disciples were looking out for Miu," Akisame said. "They're a little misguided."
"Hey, I'm not your disciple," I huffed. Akisame smiled and put his arm around me, pulling me to his broad chest.
"No," he corrected. "You're our very dear friend." I returned his smile, laying my head on his shoulder.
"Young lady, your performance was most convincing," Yasanaga said to me. "I really thought you were Miu's mother from the way you acted."
"Ah yes," Hayato said. "She may not be Miu's mother, but she holds Miu very dear and is more like her big sister."
"I meant what I said," I warned the man. "Miu's a brilliant girl and you investigated her based on the jealous rumors of another student. I expect a teacher to know better. Miu's home life may not be conventional, but she's loved and as you can see, we've all put this grand farce together solely for her benefit."
I pulled Miu to me and she smiled, curling up in my lap while I leaned against Akisame.
"Right?" I asked her.
"Right," she agreed.
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Hayato said, smiling at me warmly.
"I can see that you care for her a great deal," Yasanaga said. "Your husband is a lucky man. I'm sure your own children will be in good hands."
"My husband?" I asked, curiously. I looked at Akisame who shrugged.
"You're not married to Mr. Koetsuji?" the teacher asked.
"What? No, why would you think we were married?" I questioned.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," he apologized. "You just seemed so comfortable with each other and appear to be very close."
"Well, we're not married," I said, blushing. Akisame chuckled and pulled me closer.
"I'm really sorry for everything," Miu said, moving from my lap and bowing to her teacher. "I didn't wanna lie to you, but…"
Yasanaga chuckled and waved it off.
"No need to apologize, Miu," he said. "To be perfectly honest, I'm jealous you two get to study with the Grand Master Koetsuji."
"Geez, what other talents do you have?" I asked.
"Moya lyubimaya dorogaya , u menya mnogo," he replied. I stared at him for a moment, then grinned.
"Yesli vy pozvonite mne takiye imena , ya dumayu, chto vy , kak ya," I replied. His jaw dropped, then he laughed and pulled me into his lap.
"Ah, I think I'm in love," he joked. I rolled my eyes and pushed him away.