Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shu parked his car in front of the school and sighed as he relaxed by slouching down. He just had a tough day at work, but he got an excuse to take an early time off since he had to fetch his son at school and get his class card. As possible, he wouldn’t let his son see him tired enough not to give time to him.

He had his son, Hideo, at twenty-three, and his girlfriend died after childbirth because of her poor health. Shu swore he would do his best to provide for his and his son’s needs.

As he stepped inside the campus, he spotted Hideo playing games with his classmates in the waiting area. Then, Hideo somehow noticed him. His son gleefully smiled as he waved his hand at him.

“Papa!”

He watches Hideo walk to him and hugs him. “What’s up, son? You seem happy. Did something happen?” Shu stroked his hair.

Hideo shook his head. “Nothing. I am glad you’re here to pick me up papa.”

“You do? Papa got to leave work early today, so I decided to pick you up, and I’ll get your class card.”

His son nodded. “Okay papa. Can I still stay here? We’re still playing Smash.” 

“No problem. I know where your classroom is. I’ll get back to you once I get it.” Shu smiles as he watches his son return to his friends and make his way to the classroom.

As he got to the classroom, he heard someone inside humming a song that Shu was familiar with. Shu knocked to get the teacher’s attention. The teacher turned his way, and their eyes widened as they recognized each other.

Luca.

Small world, isn’t it? This man is my son’s class adviser and the teacher he looks up to, and at the same time, Luca, the man whom he pretended to be his lover for three days when he was out of the country for a business trip five months ago.

“Oh my God, I finally found you.” Luca stood up as he walked onto him. He still looks so good, just like the first and last time he saw him. His fluffy blonde hair and a black polo shirt with his button are about to burst because of his well-built body. Luca smiled widely; just like what he remembers, Luca reminded him of a Golden Retriever whose tail was wagging as if he excitedly saw his owner.

Shu noticed he was about to hold him and had taken a few steps backward. “Uhm. I’m here to get my son’s card. His name is Hideo Yamino.”

The teacher cleared his throat. “Hideo? Oh. Sure.” He took his class card and gave it to Shu. “Uhh. Mr. Yamino, I will introduce myself once again. I am Luca Kaneshiro, your son’s class adviser and his Music, Arts, and Physical Education teacher. Hideo is our class’s top one this quarter. And I have something to discuss with you. Regarding your son.”

Shu’s lips curved upward, proud of his son’s achievements as he checked his card and turned his gaze upon him. “Is there something wrong, Mr. Kaneshiro? Did he do something?”

“No. Hideo is a good student. I was about to discuss it with you. Hideo has shown great baseball potential and has a nice pitch. But he’s usually alone in our PE class while his classmates are playing sports. Until I saw him a few weeks ago, when he decided to come to play with his classmates, I could see the potential. As I wanted to discuss it with his guardian.”

“Really? He usually watches baseball with me but is not interested in playing. I think he imitates whatever he sees on television.”

Luca nodded, “That is possible, Mr. Yamino. Kids like him are easily influenced by what they see. I just say that kids never say what they need and usually want to try everything. The school offers a sports workshop for them to develop their skills. If you are interested in enrolling Hideo, It’s a good idea to ask if he’d like to join.”

“I will try talking to him if he is interested in learning. Thank you, Mr. Kaneshiro.” 

Luca smiled at him, “No problem. It’s my job as his teacher. I’ll be the one who is assigned to teach them about baseball this year.”

Shu nodded, reconsidering. “Thank you. I’ll be going now. He must be waiting.” He placed the card on his bag, then stared back at Luca; Shu must better clarify that Luca must forget everything about them. Now that the secret’s out in the bag.

“Regarding that , it’s better not to discuss it inside the school premises, not ever.”

“B-but–” Luca was interrupted when Shu’s fingers were a bit closer to his lips, preventing him from continuing to talk.

“No buts. Let’s not complicate this, Mr. Kaneshiro, especially now that you are my son’s teacher.” Shu’s voice was stern and serious as he made his leave.

Luca watched the man leave the room as he felt the nostalgia for the time he had left him months ago. 

It was unexpected that they would meet again, especially not in the school, and it had to be the father of one of his students. He felt like time had stopped when he saw him entering the room, wearing business attire. His black hair was neatly tied up; he could see those pink strands on the side, as the blonde fringe was beautifully braided.

Gosh, he’s still breathtakingly handsome. 

Luca doesn’t believe in love at first sight or romance per se, but after meeting Mr. Yamino a few months ago when he went on a business trip to Japan that time, Luca finds him alluring and witty. They have the same level of humor. He loved listening to his laugh; it sounded natural; when he told him a weird joke, Luca became interested in that enigmatic man, which is very unusual because he doesn’t swing that way.

As he takes a sip of his wine, Luca admits, “I haven’t been in a relationship.”

“No way. You’re handsome and seem nice. How come you didn’t have one?”

Luca shrugged. “Business. I’ve been the one who’s going to different countries for business negotiations. I’m pretty much occupied with our work. So I have no time to date. This is the only trip where I can get a three day vacation after all those meetings.”

The stranger took a sip of his drink. “But you want to experience being in a relationship?”

“Who doesn’t want that?”

The man put his glass down. “Someone who’s not interested. Want to try being in a relationship with me? I just want to feel what it’s like again.”

“Are you fine with being with a man?”

“I’m bisexual. And you?”

Luca shrugged, “I don’t know. But all I know right now is that I find you attractive. Is that enough reason?”

“Fine by me. I find you really hot, so I guess that’s fair.” The stranger winks.

He did mention that he is no longer interested in having a serious relationship. Did he say that because he had a son waiting for him at home? Is Hideo the one he kept talking on the phone with?

Luca stares at his beautiful purple eyes, “Before we start, may I know your name?” 

“We are just pretending to be lovers, Luca. You’re better off not knowing my name.” the smaller man grabbed his collar and pulled him into a heated kiss.

“Is that so? Then, can I call you ‘Mine’?” He said as he interrupted their kiss.

He watched the other chuckle, “Yeah, I’ll allow that. I’m yours, by the way.”

He is an enigma, which intrigues him to get to know the man better. At least he got to know him as Mr. Yamino.

Mr. Yamino had a significant impact on him that he couldn’t forget about him, and now he wants him to forget everything that happened between them. Luca couldn’t because Luca Kaneshiro is a person who doesn’t have the words such as give up in his vocabulary.

“Are you sure that I can order anything I want?” Hideo asked his father.

“Yeah, you doubt me? I’ll buy anything you want since you’re in the top class. You deserve this, Hideo. I’m proud of you.” Shu patted his head as he watched his child order his favorite pancake and parfait.

“Papa, it’s because you, my uncles, and auntie Ivy helped me with my studies. And my teachers taught us well.”

Shu chuckles as Hideo enthusiastically mentions him and his friends, whom he considers family. “We may have helped you study, but you memorized all the pointers we gave you, answered all the tests you’ve taken, and passed those exams with flying colors. Don’t discredit yourself, okay?”

“Okay, papa.” Hideo suddenly went quiet and was about to say something, maybe the one that Luca mentioned earlier.

“Hideo, your class adviser, mentioned your baseball potential, and your teacher wanted to talk to me about you joining the baseball workshop. Are you perhaps interested in joining?” Shu guessed that it was the right time to discuss it with him.

Hideo’s eyes widen, and he nods eagerly. “Yes, papa. Are you allowing me to join?”

“Of course. Why must I prohibit you? Teacher Luca told me that he is the one who will teach baseball. Do you want to enroll and learn under him, or do you want to enroll elsewhere?”

“Teacher Luca is a great and fun teacher, so I’d like to learn from him.”

“Of course. I’ll enroll you on Monday. May I ask why you didn’t tell me about your interest? You know I’ll do anything for you. What makes you hesitate to tell me that you wanted to try baseball?”

“I don’t know, papa. I don’t think you will allow me to. And if I join, we will have less time together.”

“What makes you think that?” He chuckles and ruffles his hair. “I can afford the workshop, you silly boy. Plus, We’re still having our father-son time because I see you learning something you’re interested in. We can still do whatever we want after that. Next time, don’t hesitate to ask me anything, Hideo.” He stares at his son, whose eyes are filled with tears.

“Thank you, papa.” Hideo hugs his father tightly.

“You’re always welcome, son” Shu plants a kiss on the top of his son’s head.

That night, the father and son arrived at their apartment complex owned by one of Shu’s friends, Vox Akuma, and all of their friends lived here on different floors.

One of his friends, Ike, was at the front of their unit. “Hey, Shu. I was looking for you, and your phone was unreachable.” Ike turns to Hideo. “Yamino. How are you?” His best friend greets him with the nickname that all his friends called Hideo since he really looked like him when he was younger. 

“Very happy, uncle Ike! Like this.” He spread his arms to express his emotion. That makes him and Ike let out a chuckle.

Ike responded, “That’s good to hear, young man. You guys went to the game store; what did you buy today?” As his eyes laid on the paper bag that Shu’s carrying.

“Papa bought me Nintendo Switch Sports since I have to work on my stamina because I will join teacher Luca’s baseball workshop soon.”

Ike, “Wow. Good thing that you have a sport that you want to try. I know you can do it.” Hideo nodded, smiling. Ike turns to Shu. “Once you’re free later, find me in the studio. Message me if you can’t make it.” And then Ike left them as Shu placed his code and opened the door of their home.

Best friends Shu and Ike have different careers by day and the same occupation at night. By day, Shu works as a recently promoted video game director in a well-known gaming company. At the same time, Ike is a renowned novelist in the crime and mystery genre. But at night, they work together as virtual singers under the duo group ‘Royal Flash.’ They are known as Eki and Hikari. They have loved music since they met in sophomore year in high school and have been passionate about it since. ‘Royal Flash’ is supposedly just a temporary group. They just planned to upload their five songs on different music platforms, and that’s it. But fate comes unexpectedly. Their music became a part of the charts. Ike received loads of emails from their band asking about using their songs in an advertisement, inquiring if they were still making music and would like to work with them for their upcoming video game song, which happened three months after they uploaded it. That was six years ago, and they’re here now, still making music together during their free time. Their real identities were still hidden from the public, and they preferred it that way.

Earlier, Shu heard Luca humming to one of their songs. “Strangers” is the song he solely worked on a few months ago. To be honest, Shu worked on that song after the days they spent together. The song he made is a bittersweet song, and the story revolves around two strangers who had met and made a beautiful connection that the two won’t forget for the rest of their lives, but they have to go on separate ways.

He doesn’t seem like the person who listens to our songs. He thought, then sighed. Shu admits that Luca had left an impression he couldn’t easily forget. They easily clicked. They are both gamers. Luca is a funny person; he seems like a doting brother.

“Earth to Shu Yamino. You’ve been staring at your computer screen and sighing for a while. What’s bothering you?” Ike broke the silence as he noticed Shu’s spacing out for a few minutes after he arrived at the studio and took his seat on his computer.

After a deep sigh, Shu spoke up. “Do you still remember what I told you about five months ago? Not the business one. The other one.”

His best friend turned his chair and faced him, “Other one? Do you mean the one you’ve met and played pretend as lovers for three days and the person you’re about in Strangers ? What about it?”

“I met him today, and he turns out to be Hideo’s class adviser and favorite teacher, and he will be the one who will handle his baseball workshop once I enroll him.”

Ike questions, “It’s just a temporary relationship. What’s bothering you?”

“He doesn’t want to pretend anymore. He wanted it to be serious.”

“And? What’s stopping you?”

Shu reclines his chair as he rests his back. “I’m not ready to commit to a relationship.”

Ike lets out an exasperated sigh. “You’re not ready or just scared to enter another relationship?” Ike knows his best friend is an overthinker, sometimes belittling himself.

“I’m not ready, really. It is too sudden. Luca deserves someone better. Not someone who’s a widower and a father of a seven-year-old kid. The man deserves to have a family of his own.” Shu let out a weak smile.

Liar. You are still fond of him. Ike thought.

“You know what, Shu. This is the only thing I can say: you deserve to be happy too. As your best friend, I want to see you settle down. I know Hideo is your source of happiness now, but don’t you remember her last words?”

Shu winced his eyes when he mentioned her . “Always. I know she said I am worthy of loving; I shouldn’t run away from my feelings when I find someone special. I remember that, but I can’t help myself doubting everything.”

“You can decide later; you can still refuse to be his lover. Why don’t you two start over? As friends. Just so you know, that option is possible. Especially if you two are going to see each other in school. If you still think that way, then tell him off.” Ike patted his back and added. “I can tell that you’re still fond of him. Don’t let him go yet. Maybe he’s really the right person for you. You even told me before I dated Vox, now my husband, that I shouldn’t be a coward and start to get to know him. I shall return that advice to you.”

Shu didn’t respond because Ike was right. They could start over, but he wasn’t really ready. It’s too sudden, no. He never expected to meet him again.

“I’ll think about it. Thank you, Ike. Sorry that I ruined the mood.”

“Seriously, Shu. It’s no problem. We still have time together to work on this. Plus, I called you here because I made music from the song you wrote. Wanna listen?”

Shu smiled, then he reclined back his chair. “Of course. Let’s listen.” As Ike turns back to his computer as he plays the music, the two listen to their new song.

“Can I be honest with you?” Luca broke the silence enveloping them as Shu stuffed his things inside his luggage.

“What is it, Luca?”

Luca didn’t hesitate to hold his hand. “I don’t want this to end this way. I really want to know you. I know that this is my first time experiencing this. But, I think I like you. I thought about this the whole night. The answer that I get is that I like you, and I’d like to get to know you better.”

Shu was quite taken aback by his confession. He didn’t deny the strong attraction they had. He felt it, and so did Luca. “You know that we have to go our separate ways. This world we created had reached its end when I stepped out of this room.”

He tightens his grip. “I know that, but can you please at least reconsider?”

Shu shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t. My decision is final.” He checked his watch. It’s now time to leave. “I must go.” He gently takes Luca’s hand off him as he holds his luggage.

“Can you give me one last kiss before you leave?” Luca selfishly requested, making Shu smile as he wrapped his arms around his neck and shared one final passionate kiss.

Shu broke it off first, “If we’re going to meet each other again somewhere. Maybe we can continue where we left off. By then, I’ll tell you my name.” He gave Luca another kiss. “Till we meet again.” Shu grabbed his luggage, turned his back, and left the room without looking back.

It’s time to go back to reality.

Shu walks away, ignoring the heaviness his heart felt.

This is just an infatuation. This lingering feeling I have will go away soon.

“If we were destined to meet again. Then I will start believing that we are meant for each other.” - Strangers by Hikari of Royal Flash.

End of Chapter 1

Chapter Text

It had been a month since Mr. Yamino had enrolled his son in the baseball workshop that he was going to handle this year. Since then, they have only greeted each other.

He couldn't find a chance to talk to him. Luca has decided never to give up on him without even trying. But Mr. Yamino is the one who doesn't give him any chance.

Luca is a competitive person. There have been a lot of challenges in his thirty-two years of living. By this, he wasn't annoyed, not in the slightest, but feeling even more challenged.

He hopes that Mr. Yamino will get a clue that he's not giving up on him.

His eyes laid on the children falling in line. Everyone's present; he must start the session.

Luca stretched his arms as he went to the front of the students and greeted them. "Good morning. Let's start with stretching, shall we?"

After half an hour, he began teaching them how to bat, from proper posture and swing their bats without spraining their arms, shoulders, knees, or hips.

His eyes laid on Mr. Yamino on the bleachers, and a man was beside him holding a sky-blue velvet square box.

Wait.

Then he saw Mr. Yamino smile widely and suddenly hugged the man.

What the fuck.

Whatever Luca's feeling right now is unfathomable.

Mysta was showing the sky-blue velvet square box. "Look, brother. I am planning to propose to Ivy."

Shu smiled widely at the news from his brother as he hugged him. "It's about time, brother. You two dated for thirteen years."

"Yeah, I felt bad for making her wait, even after she's dropping a lot of hints that she wants to settle down, get married, and have a kid. But I managed to prepare everything in less than a year, right? I moved back with you while I sold my apartment to fund the renovation of the house I bought for us." 

"Yeah. I am so glad that you did it, Mysta. I'm so proud of you." Shu patted the taller man's back.

Mysta grinned, "Thanks. Oh, wait. It's Hideo's turn!" Shu's eyes turned at the quadrangle, and it was Hideo's turn to use the bat. Luca was beside him, teaching him the proper angle to hit the ball. He can see the determination in his son to learn.

As soon as Hideo hit the ball perfectly, Mysta cheered. "That's my boy." As the younger Yamino noticed him from afar, he waved while a big grin formed on the kid's lips.

"Uncle Mysta!" Hideo called. Then Luca gave Mysta somewhat a glare.

Mysta stopped and looked at his brother, "Why does his teacher look at me as if he's going to fucking kick my balls? What have I done?" Mysta is confused.

Shu crossed his arm, trying to stifle a laugh at what his brother had said. "What do you think?"

"How am I supposed to know? As if he got a crush on you and thinks I am your – wait. Does he?" And that was when Shu let out the laughter he'd been holding for a while.

Mysta knew about what happened six months ago since he happened to eavesdrop on Shu and Ike's conversation by accident.

"He's the man I met six months ago." He admits. 

"Oh, okay, so that was — what the fuck, bro? So, are you dating, and he does not know about me?"

"We're not. Plus, I told him to forget everything between us."

"But do you want to?"

"It doesn't matter, Mysta."

Mysta adjusted his sunglasses, "You're so full of bullshit sometimes, Shu. Not today, brother. I wouldn't become a successful detective if I failed to distinguish your little gestures when you're lying. You know what, just talk to him today. It's good that Ivy and I are taking Hideo to the ocean park. Don't fail me, brother. You're a brave man. Stop doubting yourself again. Make a move and get your man, yeah? I bet he still likes you; after all, he is staring daggers at me." Mysta patted his brother's back.

Shu is not dense. If someone who is fitted to that word, it is Luca; after a month without noticing that the children's mothers and guardians are swooning over him, if there is a word that would describe him, which is in denial, he is just refusing to acknowledge the idea that Luca still wasn't over with him and going to give up that easily. So that is why he is the one who's putting walls between them.

"I'll try." He smiled at his brother.

"That's my brother." Mysta grins as he notices his brother's shirt. "Not at you wearing Your Mom shirt in public."

Shu stares at his shirt. It's a black shirt with an ESRB rating of E, and the text on top of it says Your Mom . "Why? It's cool, comfortable and one of my lucky gamer shirts."

Mysta sighed in disbelief.

After he dismissed the kids, Luca sat at the bench, wiping his sweat with a towel as he watched all the kids running to their parents or guardians. Then his eyes were on Mr. Yamino, Hideo, and the stranger with him wiping off Hideo's sweat and changing his clothes.

"Teacher Luca!" One of his students called, gesturing to him to come over to the bleachers' area as he heard Hideo say goodbye to his father.

He heard the stranger say to Mr. Yamino. "We're heading out, brother. See you later."

Brother?

He glanced at them, seeing the man give him a wink and a grin as he left with the younger Yamino.

"Oh, Alexander. What is it?" Luca focused back on the student who called him.

"Teacher, may I ask if you could marry my auntie? She has a crush on you." Alexander innocently asked. The two people laughed; even Mr. Yamino chuckled at the question.  

"Oh no. Please don't mind his silly question." Says the aunt, face flustered.

"No, it's okay. It's normal for kids to ask such questions." "But I have someone I like; I just hope they give me a chance to prove my seriousness." He chuckles as he steals a glimpse of Mr. Yamino, who is currently on a phone call. 

After everyone left, Luca started to clean up the field. He was devastated that he couldn't find any chance to speak with Mr. Yamino. Again.

The odds were never in his favor.

Luca's only purpose here was to handle the finances of this school that his family owned since there was an anomaly in the financial report. Luca's capable of teaching since he has a license in teaching; he graduated with a double degree in business and sports education. Being a teacher was his last-minute decision since the physical education teacher had an injury that needed rehabilitation.

Maybe it was fate that brought him here. To be reunited with Mr. Yamino.

"Luca, you left this. Catch." Luca catches the ball with his mitt, which is strong enough as he almost loses his balance. A familiar voice called him. He turned around from where the voice came from and saw Mr. Yamino standing a few meters away. He was adjusting his position as he threw the ball at him.

"That's a fastball, Mr. Yamino. You seem to be hiding a skill in baseball as well."

Mr. Yamino laughed as he walked closer to him. "It seems that I still have the skill with me. I played baseball back in my first year in Japan before I moved here."

"That's some awesome skill. POG!" Then they both exchanged some laughter until they both stopped.

Luca was the one who broke the sudden silence. "I thought you already left."

"I was about to." Mr. Yamino stared at him. "But I want to talk to you and stop this dilly-dallying, shall we? I know you're still trying to talk to me and I am prohibiting you from doing that. I'm sorry to keep you waiting and being unfair to you." He tucked his hair behind his ears, took a piece of paper out of his pocket and gave it to him.

"I still prefer not to talk about it here. I put on the paper the location where we could meet. It's not far from here. So, I shall wait for you there." With that, Mr. Yamino dismissed himself and left him on the field with the paper in his hand.

I guess I still have luck on my side.

An hour later, Luca arrived at the lakeside park as it was written in the paper with his motorcycle; his eyes roamed around the area where Mr. Yamino was located until he found him on the bench, with earphones on his ears, which others then notice, as he takes off his earphones.

"I'm so sorry that it took me so long," Luca said.

"It's no problem. I understand." Mr. Yamino replied and tapped the vacant space for him to sit while he took the offer and sat on it.

Mr. Yamino began talking, "It is my fault that we ended up like this. I am drunk to offer you something like that. Let alone flirting with you, which is not my thing. I gave you false hope because I didn't expect it would happen. I especially expect that you will move on from it."

"But I am not." Luca interrupts, and he gently holds his hand. "The day you left, I hoped everything was just an infatuation since everything is a first for me. Every day, I try to forget you, but I can't. You left such a big impact on me. I miss you, Mr. Yamino. I understand that you wanted to forget everything between us, for Hideo's sake. But I don't want to give up without trying to prove that I am serious about you." He makes eye contact with the other to prove that he's serious about everything he says.

The other just nodded. "Even if I told you that I wanted to start over? I want to know you better, and for you to know me as well, and see if you still felt the same after. Can we start over as friends?"

As friends? Even I felt for you was beyond friendship?

Is this the only option he could give so I could be closer to him?

Is it?

"If I don't want to be friends with you, what will you do?"

"We should stop here and forget."

"If we become friends, will you allow me to be closer to you? Like I could talk to you anytime?"

"Yeah, I will give you my contact details."

"Can I kiss you? Hug you and hold your hands?" Luca looks at him, pleading with him.

"Luca! That's not how friendship works." Mr. Yamino snapped, blushing furiously.

The blonde laughed harder, poking Mr. Yamino's cheek. "You're so cute when you're blushing. If that is the only thing that makes me closer to you, I'd like to be your friend, but I am not stopping to pursue you until you allow me to pursue you romantically."

"Fine. Whatever floats your boat." He sighed, rubbing his nape.

"Thank you, Mr. Yamino. I missed–"

"It's Shu."

"Huh?"

"I'm Shu Yamino. I'm pleased to meet you." He stretched out his hands, which Luca took as the two shook hands.

Shu.

Such a beautiful name.

I'm finally glad to meet you.

Luca had finally arrived at his empty house, one of his family's properties, and where he lived while there.

It was a happy day overall. He and Shu had finally reunited. He is fine that they could take it slowly. As long as he is with him, everything is fine. And they even exchange contact details.

Luca wanted to impress Shu. But how could he do that? Being inexperienced in this field makes it hard for him to think of any. 

Luca handled everything by himself. He never told anyone about Shu. He worked so hard that he couldn't afford a few minutes to spend thinking about him.

He took out his phone and decided to send him a message, until a new message came in and it was from his twin sister, Lucy. It was telling him to call her when he's home.

What is it this time?

He took a quick shower and set up his computer to call his sister. As his sister answered the call, a video showed his sister, Lucy, his younger brother, Alban, and his youngest sister, Yotsuha.

"What took you so long, Luca?" Says Lucy, annoyed. Impatient as ever. He did imitate her voice and what she had said, which pissed her off even more.

"Fuck you." As everyone laughed.

Then Yotsuha questions, " Oniichan , how are you? You seem happy."

"Do I look happy, Yotsuhapi? It's because I saw you three together. That's why I am happy. I miss all of you." It's not a lie, he loves his siblings more than anything in this world and misses them daily. He bullies his younger brother, Alban, and spoils and dotes on Yotsuha. Even he teased and annoyed Lucy.

Alban's the one who spoke this time. "You sure do. But you never message or call us. Unless you're seeing someone there, and that makes you busy."

"Oh. Uhh." Luca's bad at lying. That caught him off guard. 

"Aha! You're stuttering, and there's someone." Lucy cheered. "Tell us about her."

His phone had received a message from Shu.

Shu: Not at you sending Deez nuts jokes at this ungodly hour.

His reply made his lips curve upward as he received more incoming messages from Shu. 

"Wait. He's genuinely smiling. Oniichan is probably in love." Says Yotsuha.

Lucy, "A himbo can fall in love. That's new."

"I can hear you, Lucy. We're not together. Not yet." As Luca replied.

At least not the person who sends strange and terrible dad jokes.

Lucy, "It was intentional." 

Shu: News flash! I'm a dad. And dad jokes are how eye roll. Wait. I am wearing a shirt. I'll take a picture of it.

Shu: [image attached]

That reply and seeing the attached photo he sent made Luca laugh. Shu is wearing a black shirt with words printed; Dad jokes are how eye roll . A laugh let out, and tears started to prickle. That was indeed a terrible pun.

"Holy shit. Someone broke him. Who are you? What have you done to my brother?" Alban says, then he lets out a wheeze.

"Okay, guys. I'll tell you about him." Then Luca started to tell a story about how he met Shu six months ago in Japan, where he went on a business trip and tried to close a deal; he told them everything aside from the spicy details up until he met him again, but as the father of one of his students and them becoming friends today. Luca asked his siblings for help on how to date and impress Shu.

"So, let me clarify," Lucy says. "You met Shu in Japan six months ago and recently discovered he has a son. Oh my goodness. You're into DILFs, Luca?"

Luca replies in an exaggerated tone, "I loooooove DILFs." 

The three exchange glances because they know where this conversation is going, then Lucy rolls her eyes.

Luca then suddenly asked, "What does that mean again?"

They knew it.

End of chapter 2