Chapter 39 - JK Idol's Father Likes Free going person
Towards the end of August, as summer vacation was coming to a close, I found myself sitting across from someone in a hotel on the 17th floor. Our gazes met, and sweat streamed down my face.
The person sitting in front of me, elegantly sipping tea, was Sakurazaki Kazunari, Nako's father.
While he was dressed in a dark blue suit, I was still in my high school uniform. I had informed Sakurazaki that I had a free day, but I never expected to be called to such a luxurious hotel. Since I hadn't prepared any attire for such an occasion, I decided to wear my school uniform. The stark difference in our appearances clearly emphasized the difference in our respective worlds.
"Ah, don't be too tense. Honestly, I'm not used to places like this either."
"...Oh, is that so?"
"I'm embarrassed to admit it, but ever since I was a child, I was always focused on my studies. I thought that once I became an adult, I would get to know the world of play, but in reality, everything was about work and being in a hurry."
Sakurazaki's smile resembled one I had seen before.
It's true, they really are a family... His smile looked so much like Nako's.
"Furthermore, when I went to college, I didn't really know how to play well, so I was teased and ended up devoting myself to my studies."
He smiled self-deprecatingly and took another sip of tea.
"There's no point in talking about myself. I came here today to hear stories about Nako and you."
"Uh... first of all, I... I apologize for taking your daughter to various places."
"I've already told you that it's fine. I think I've also told my wife about it. She even laughed when she mentioned that you came over the other day and kept bowing your head."
"But I... I'm the one who instigated and disregarded your daughter's educational policy."
“Like I said, you're an amazing person."
"Huh..."
After asking me to look at him, he continued.
"You're smart in your studies, capable of doing household chores, and you also have social skills... I heard all that from Nako."
My social skills are probably nonexistent.
What did Sakurazaki see in me all this time?
"It's amazing. Your parents must be amazing people too."
"...My parents are no longer here. They passed away in an accident when I was three years old."
"...Himahara-kun, I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"No, I haven't even told Nako-san about it."
"A-ah... I see... So now you live with relatives, huh?"
"Yes. I live with my aunt."
"...She must be an amazing person."
"Yes, she's very kind."
Once again, I covered up my dark past.
To change the subject, I asked him about something I was curious about.
"Um, why did Nako-san start a career in the entertainment industry? I heard that she was also a child actress before."
"Oh, that's because I had a subordinate who left the company and started their own entertainment agency. They heard about Nako and wanted to introduce her to the entertainment world as a child actress."
"Oh, I see. So there's a connection like that."
"At first, Nako herself wasn't too enthusiastic, but her work started increasing, and eventually, she couldn't stop. Then, when there was a new project to form an idol group, Nako became the center..."
"But Nako-san seems happy now. Every time I talk to her on the phone, she always talks about her work."
"Oh, I see... Well, that's good then."
"?"
"Himahara-kun, after hearing this story, don't you hate me?"
Nako's father looked at me with furrowed brows, his face filled with worry.
"Her mom and I took away Nako's freedom. We valued the judgments of others too much and continuously chose the best path for Nako. And as time went by, we unconsciously treated our daughter as our 'doll.'"
"Uh, Dad..."
"I can't bring Nako true happiness like you can."
"...,"
Nako's mother, whom I met some time ago, also regretted it.
I couldn't find the right words to say.
"Himahara-kun, this may sound immature, but I genuinely envy you."
"A-ah, please... please don't say things like that. I don't deserve—"
"No, I don't want you to belittle yourself. It's me who feels unworthy."
These words were so similar to what Nako's mother said some time ago.
So, her father and mother feel the same way.
"Himahara-kun, I want you to continue making Nako happy."
He lowered his head so much that it almost touched the table.
"...Hah? Hey! Please stop! Besides, Nako-san and I..."
"Whenever you feel confident, I hope you'll come visit and meet with me."
This is too much.
...But I truly don't understand why the Sakurazaki family trusts me so much.
After various conversations about Nako concluded, I chatted with her father while enjoying afternoon tea.
And after that, the trouble began.
"Himahara-kun, I want you to teach me how to play this game."
A mysterious encounter with Sakurazaki's father began.
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Preview of the next chapter:
"Himahara-kun, how far is your relationship with Nako?"
"Eh... How far, you say... We..."
"Nako boasts that you've already kissed each other."
"Huh?! Uh! We've never kissed, seriously!"
Next chapter: "JK Idol's Father Seems Interested in the Candy Shop."
Translator: Janaka