The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant fills with soft chatter and the clinking of dishes. Takamiya, Nagase, and her father sit at a corner table, surrounded by the aroma of familiar dishes. The conversation flows easily, peppered with laughter and shared memories.

Takamiya's Dad: (smiling warmly) "You know, Makoto, it feels like ages since we sat down like this. I'm glad you're home."

Takamiya: (softly) "Me too, Dad."

Nagase: (chiming in) "I've been hearing all about how this place is a tradition. I can see why—it's great."

Takamiya's Dad: (grinning) "It is, isn't it? Makoto used to beg to come here after every school event. She'd always get the same dish too. What was it again?"

Takamiya: (rolling her eyes) "Dad..."

Nagase: (leaning forward, clearly enjoying this) "Oh, I need to know now."

Takamiya: (grumbling) "Fine. It was the curry rice. I just liked it, okay?"

The two men laugh, and Makoto shakes her head, though she can't help but smile.

Takamiya's Dad: "And you still ordered it today. Some things never change."

They continue swapping stories—her dad recounting embarrassing childhood tales, Takamiya sharing funny anecdotes from her time abroad, and Nagase jumping in with his own humor. The warmth in the room grows, with Takamiya feeling both grateful and slightly on edge under her father's sharp gaze.

Finally, as the waiter clears their plates, Takamiya's dad leans back in his chair, fixing Nagase with a knowing smile.

Takamiya's Dad: "So, Makoto, I think I understand now why you hadn't decided where you'd stay." (He glances meaningfully at Nagase.) "It all makes sense."

The air at the table freezes. Makoto nearly chokes on her drink, while Hiromi stiffens, his smile faltering.

Takamiya: (stammering) "Uh, well, I mean... I—I thought about it, but it's not like that! And there's nothing to worry about, because it's not—"

Nagase watches her struggle, trying not to laugh but also clearly panicking about what to say.

Nagase: (jumping in awkwardly) "Right! It's nothing to worry about. Nothing weird or, uh, inappropriate."

Takamiya's dad listens, his expression perfectly calm, nodding as if considering their words seriously.

Takamiya's Dad: (suddenly bursting into laughter) "Relax, you two! I was joking!"

Takamiya slumps in her seat, letting out a groan, while Nagase scratches the back of his neck, sheepishly joining in the laughter.

Takamiya's Dad: (still chuckling) "You should've seen your faces. I'm not that old-fashioned."

Takamiya: (muttering) "You could've fooled me."

Takamiya's Dad: "All I'm saying is, it's fine to stay together, but..." (his tone turns playful) "just make sure you two don't cross the line, alright?"

Nagase freezes mid-laugh, his ears turning pink, while Takamiya buries her face in her hands.

Nagase: (clearing his throat) "Of course not, sir. Totally understood."

Takamiya: (grumbling) "Dad, can we talk about literally anything else?"

Her dad laughs heartily, clearly enjoying their discomfort.

Takamiya's Dad: "Alright, alright. I'll behave. For now." (he winks)

The rest of the meal goes smoothly, though Takamiya shoots Nagase a look every time her dad's laughter threatens to start again.

As they part ways outside the restaurant, Takamiya's dad pulls her into a warm hug.

Takamiya's Dad: (softly) "I'm glad you're home, sweetheart. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Takamiya: (smiling) "I will, Dad."

As he walks away, Takamiya turns to Nagase with a sigh.

Takamiya: "Well, that wasn't mortifying at all."

Nagase: (teasing) "Hey, at least I got the permisson, though I did not promise not to cross the line."

She swats his arm, and the two walk off together, laughing despite themselves.