Heisuke excused himself to the toilet. Kenji mentioned he would be going around the hall for networking purposes. When the former walked past the door, he saw his stepfather was still surrounded by many people.
What Mr. Isamu's acquaintances trying to imply earlier bothered Heisuke but, not to the point of dragging his mood low. He had prepared himself to hear such things, either from the ones who he knew or met for the first time.
With Mr. Hokama as his stepfather, Heisuke understood that people would begin to view him differently. Especially when good things started to be directed at him.
Most of their impressions would be; "Ah! His mother remarried a rich man. Surely he can get even the best crumbs."
Heisuke let out a low sigh. Shaking his head slightly, he tried not to overthink.
"Should I call her for a bit?" murmured Heisuke while walking down the road.
