Chapter 2: The Haruto Family's Quiet Life
Looking at Yoshida Ayumi's eager face, Endo Haruto couldn't bring himself to refuse.
It wasn't that he was eager to visit the amusement park—it was simply that Ayumi's excitement was contagious, and he didn't want to disappoint her. With a sigh, he gave in. "Alright, alright, I'll go. See you tomorrow at the entrance of Dorobiga Park at 8 a.m.?"
"Yay! See you tomorrow, Haruto!" Ayumi beamed, her eyes shining with joy.
After getting a satisfactory answer, Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta hurried off, chattering excitedly as they left the school grounds.
Endo Haruto watched them go, then turned his gaze forward, pondering the day ahead.
"Amusement park, huh?" He couldn't help but think about the roller coasters and haunted houses he'd get to experience tomorrow. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he walked towards the alley near the school.
Outside Teitan Elementary School, a black business car was parked near the corner. It was a sleek, modified vehicle, inconspicuous to most but not to those who knew who to look for.
In the driver's seat sat a middle-aged man in a black suit, his features sharp and stern. His name was Inoue Ryuichi—Haruto's personal driver and bodyguard.
Though the Endo family was known for being approachable, they took precautions where needed. Inoue Ryuichi wasn't just a first-class driver; he was a retired special forces soldier, and he'd been assigned to protect Haruto since his early childhood. His role as both chauffeur and bodyguard made him a constant, reliable presence in Haruto's life.
In the back seat of the car sat another figure. A young woman, no older than seventeen or eighteen, wore a black and white maid's uniform. Her black hair was tied into two neat ponytails, and her demeanor was quiet, calm, and composed.
This was Kurosaki Tamaka, Haruto's personal maid, chosen and trained by the Endo family. Though she was young, her skills were unparalleled. From cooking to wilderness first aid to massage and bone setting, she was highly trained in all aspects of domestic care. She'd been raised by the Endo family since childhood and had been instilled with unwavering loyalty to the family's legacy.
Kurosaki Tamaka was not just any maid—she was a part of the Endo family's trusted circle.
As soon as Haruto rounded the corner, Kurosaki Tamaka swiftly exited the car, greeting him with practiced grace. She took the small items from his hands before they both got into the back seat together.
The car started with a smooth hum, and Inoue Ryuichi drove steadily towards the Endo family estate.
The Endo Manor was an impressive sight—a sprawling estate built in traditional Japanese style. The grounds were vast, with manicured lawns stretching as far as the eye could see. The outdoor space alone could have fit several football fields.
However, the size of the estate was both a blessing and a curse. For a child like Haruto, walking from one end of the manor to the other could be exhausting. It was easier to rely on a vehicle to get around the property.
As the car pulled up to the entrance of the manor, the servants who saw Haruto couldn't help but smile warmly at his arrival.
"Master Haruto, welcome home!"
"Good afternoon, Master Haruto!"
"Hello, Master Haruto!"
The cheerful greetings came from all directions as the staff, who were fond of the young boy, watched him walk past. Endo Haruto, with his charming appearance and polite demeanor, was liked by everyone in the manor, from the elderly servants to the younger staff members.
Haruto couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed by all the attention. Though his body was that of a child, his mind was that of someone much older—over 20 years old. He wasn't one for the antics and childish behavior that most of his peers enjoyed. He always tried to be respectful and avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
And yet, despite his composed nature, there was no denying that his cuteness worked in his favor. He had a way of winning people over effortlessly, which made him all the more adored by the people around him.
Kurosaki Tamaka, who had been walking beside Haruto, suddenly paused at the entrance of the living room. Her brows furrowed slightly, sensing something unusual. But before she could say anything, her expression softened, and she led Haruto into the room with a smile.
As they entered the living room, a figure stealthily emerged from behind a door, making a silent gesture toward Kurosaki Tamaka. Then, without warning, the figure covered Haruto's eyes from behind.
"Can you guess who I am?" the figure whispered playfully.
Haruto chuckled lightly, not missing a beat. "It must be the most beautiful girl in the universe—my lively and adorable sister Sonoko."
"Ha! You know me too well!"
Endo Sonoko, delighted by the answer, pulled Haruto into a tight hug and kissed his cheek, showering him with affection.
"Our Haruto really is the cutest!" she cooed.
Kurosaki Tamaka looked on with a small, slightly envious smile as Sonoko continued to shower Haruto with attention.
At this point, Haruto found himself struggling to breathe as his sister's embrace tightened. He finally looked over at Endo Ayako, who was quietly observing from a distance.
With a composed smile, Ayako called out in a gentle but firm voice, "Sonoko, don't tease Haruto too much. There are no parents here to stop you."
At her words, Sonoko reluctantly released Haruto, allowing him to escape her tight grasp. But the affection she had for her younger brother was clear in the way she looked at him.
Haruto sighed in relief, grateful for Ayako's timely intervention. The peace didn't last long, though, as Sonoko's playful energy quickly returned. But for now, he was safe from her overzealous hugs.