Mahiru's parents were struck with stunned disbelief upon hearing the mention of Hakuto in Daichi's name, their eyes wide with astonishment as they focused on Daichi.
"Are you, by any chance, from the Hakuto family?" Tatsuki asked, his curiosity clearly piqued.
Daichi nodded in affirmation. "Yeah" he confirmed.
"Are you Daichi Hakuto, the only son of Mr. Hakuto, renowned as the most popular young man in the entire country?" Tatsuki asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Daichi's response was concise yet affirmative. "Yes," he confirmed, causing Mahiru's parents to fall into stunned silence, the weight of his revelation hanging heavily in the air.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Mihana extended a warm greeting, adding "We've often heard about you on television, but this is our first time seeing you."
Daichi acknowledged her remark with a nod. "Yes, I tend to avoid the spotlight. I've recently relocated to this country, so it's my first experience here."
Tatsuki's astonishment was palpable as he spoke, "I can hardly believe it. To think I'm actually meeting you in person. We've heard so much about your father and his remarkable success. I've read countless articles about him in magazines."
Daichi affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, he is."
"So what if you're rich? It doesn't mean you can be friends with my sister." Takuto's defiant tone cut through the air,
"Takuto, don't speak to him like that," Tatsuki interjected gently. Turning his attention back to Daichi, he continued, "Please accept our apologies for his behavior. He's just very protective of his family."
Daichi reassured them with a calm demeanor, "It's alright. I understand."
Mahiru interjected, "Alright, let's move on to dinner. I'll set the table." Everyone nodded in agreement.
As Mahiru and her mother disappeared into the kitchen, Tatsuki's gaze remained fixed on Daichi, still tinged with disbelief.
Once they all settled at the table, Daichi seized the opportunity to speak. "Mr. Tatsuki, I have a few questions," he began.
"Of course, go ahead, ask anything," Tatsuki replied, his curiosity piqued.
Daichi asks, "It looked like you and Mahiru hadn't seen each other in a while when you met at the door."
"Yes," Tatsuki confirmed "I've been working outside the city, but I recently transferred back to be with my family."
Daichi pressed further, "And what about the children? They also seemed to reunite as if they had been apart."
Tatsuki nodded as he explained, "Indeed, they were all enrolled in a boarding school. However, upon my relocation to this city, I brought them along. Now, they'll study in a local school."
"Hmm, this food is absolutely delicious," Daichi remarked, savoring each bite.
"Did you like it?" Tatsuki inquired.
Daichi's eyes sparkling with delight as he nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's amazing. Who's the chef behind this?"
Mihana beamed proudly. "I made it," she revealed.
A genuine smile spread across Daichi's face, the first he had shown in Mahiru's presence. As his smile illuminated the room, Mahiru and the rest of the family looked on with a mix of surprise and admiration.
Daichi's expressions were heartfelt as he said, "It's the first time I've tasted something homemade, made with a mother's touch."
"Why? What happened to your mother?" Mihana asked, her confusion evident.
"She's fine," Daichi replied reassuringly. "She simply doesn't cook. As a businesswoman, she's never had the chance."
Mihana's compassionate response followed, "That's okay. I'm also like your mother. You're always welcome here. I'll whip up your favorite dish with my own hands anytime you want."
Daichi's eyes lit up with gratitude as he directed a warm smile towards Mihana. "Thank you very much," he expressed sincerely.
All eyes were on Daichi, Mahiru included, still surprised by his unexpected display of emotion.
Once the meal was finished, Daichi rose from his seat. "Well, I suppose it's time for me to take my leave. It was truly a pleasure meeting all of you," he said graciously, bidding farewell to Mahiru's family.
Tatsuki extended a warm invitation, "You don't have to leave just yet, Stay a while longer. You can leave later."
"Yes, absolutely. I'll even brew some coffee for you." Mihana chimed in.
Daichi's smile widened as he glanced at Mahiru, who nodded in agreement. "You're welcome to stay," she affirmed.
Daichi's smile grew, reflecting the warmth of the moment. "Alright," he agreed.
Tatsuki smiled in approval. "That's wonderful," he remarked.
As they gathered on the couch, laughter and chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.
Daichi couldn't help but watch them with a smile, his heart touched by the scene unfolding before him.
Inwardly, Daichi thought to himself, "So this is what it means to be a family. They may not have much, they may not be wealthy, and their home may be small, but their happiness knows no bounds. It's in these simple moments of togetherness that true wealth lies."
As Daichi observed Mahiru laughing and chatting with her father, and the other children happily playing with their dad.
He couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming scene before him. The genuine joy and laughter filling the room were infectious.
Lost in his thoughts, Daichi's reverie was interrupted when Mizuki suddenly appeared, grabbing onto his leg.
Instantly, all eyes turned towards Daichi and Mizuki, the unexpected interaction drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
Mizuki beamed up at Daichi, her arms outstretched, "Pick me up." she requested.
"Mizuki, come here. Dad will give you some chocolates." Tatsuki interjected, offering a tempting incentive,
Ignoring the offer, Daichi lifted Mizuki into his arms and settled her gently onto his lap, eliciting surprise from everyone in the room.
Despite the initial shock, Daichi's smile remained unwavering as Mizuki hugged him tightly, causing his eyes to widen in surprise.
Innocently, Mizuki called out, "Big brother," her voice filled with affection.
Mahiru's smile faltered as she glanced at Daichi, only to be met with shock and confusion.
The room fell into a stunned silence, every eye locked on Daichi, their faces mirroring the shock etched across his. Then, suddenly, tears began to stream down Daichi's cheeks, his eyes widening as he was overtaken by a surge of overwhelming emotion.
In a swift motion, Daichi stood up, gently placing Mizuki back on the couch before hastily making his way outside, leaving everyone stunned. The room remained silent as they processed the unexpected turn of events.