The dim light of Yumi's room made the streaks of black mascara running down her face more apparent as she sat on the floor, still clutching Cerberus close. The tiny Chihuahua hadn't moved from his comforting position, his little head pressed into her shoulder like he was trying to absorb all her sadness.
The soft creak of the door opening pulled her out of her spiraling thoughts. She hastily wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her oversized black hoodie, trying to make herself look like she hadn't been crying. But it was too late. Kikidori stepped into the room, his piercing eyes scanning her with quiet concern.
"Yumi," he said, his voice carrying that unmistakable parental edge, "what's going on?"
She looked away, staring at the pentagram she had drawn on the wall earlier. She didn't want to talk about it. Not now.
Kikidori wasn't one to back down easily, though. He walked into the room fully, closing the door behind him. His tall frame seemed to fill the space, and his black wings were folded tightly against his back, their tips brushing the edge of the doorway as he leaned against the wall.
"You've been crying," he stated bluntly, crossing his arms. "What happened?"
Yumi stayed silent, her fingers idly tracing the frayed edge of her hoodie sleeve.
"I'm not leaving until you tell me," Kikidori added, his tone firm but not unkind.
Finally, with a sigh, Yumi muttered, "It's nothing."
"Doesn't look like 'nothing,'" Kikidori said, raising an eyebrow. "You've got tear tracks down your face, and Cerberus looks like he's the one holding the family together right now."
Yumi let out a small, bitter laugh at that. Cerberus whined softly, shifting in her lap to nuzzle her hand.
"Fine," she said after a long pause, her voice barely above a whisper. "Some people at school were talking about how I'm only popular because of you. Because you're the Prince of Hell and all that."
Kikidori tilted his head, waiting for her to continue.
"They said I'm just riding your reputation, and that I don't actually deserve anything I have," she finished, her voice cracking slightly. "And they're right. That's all I am. Just… your kid."
Kikidori frowned, stepping closer until he crouched down beside her. For a moment, he said nothing, just studying her carefully, like he was trying to decide the best way to approach this. Finally, he spoke.
"So what if you're popular because of me?" he said casually, leaning back on his heels.
Yumi blinked, taken aback. "What?"
"You heard me," Kikidori said, his tone completely unbothered. "So what if your popularity comes from me? That's not the insult they think it is."
She stared at him, her mouth slightly open. "Dad, that's not the point—"
"No, it is the point," Kikidori interrupted. "Let me tell you something about people like that. They'll tear you down because they don't have anything better to do. But you? You're at the top. And the only reason they're talking about you is because you matter. If you didn't, they wouldn't bother."
Yumi frowned, his words swirling in her mind. She didn't want to admit it, but he had a point.
"So," Kikidori continued, a small smirk playing on his lips, "next time they start running their mouths, just look them dead in the eye and say, 'At least I'm popular.' And then walk away. Trust me, it'll drive them nuts."
Yumi couldn't help it—a small, involuntary laugh escaped her. She quickly covered her mouth, but Kikidori noticed, his smirk widening into a grin.
"There it is," he said. "That's my girl."
She rolled her eyes but felt a tiny weight lift off her chest. Her dad's unorthodox approach wasn't exactly what she'd expected, but somehow, it made her feel a little better.
"Thanks, Dad," she said quietly, her voice softer than usual.
"Anytime," Kikidori replied, standing up and brushing off his pants. He glanced down at Cerberus, who was still snuggled against Yumi. "Although, I think Cerberus might be more responsible for cheering you up than me."
Yumi snorted, looking down at the little demon dog. "Yeah, well, he's not exactly perfect either. Look at him—he's shedding all over my room."
Kikidori raised an eyebrow. "You're blaming Cerberus for shedding when you've got pentagrams drawn on your walls and black eyeliner on everything you own?"
"Hey, that's called *decor,*" Yumi shot back, her sass returning.
"Sure, sure," Kikidori said, turning to leave. "Just don't blame me when you're drowning in dog hair."
As he reached the door, he paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Seriously, though, Yumi. Don't let those idiots at school get to you. You're more than just my kid. You're you, and that's enough."
Yumi nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Dad."
With that, Kikidori left, closing the door behind him. Yumi let out a deep breath, feeling a little lighter than before. Cerberus gave a soft bark, wagging his tiny tail as he settled back into her lap.
"Guess it's just you and me, buddy," she said, scratching his ears. "But seriously, stop shedding everywhere. This is my room, not your personal fur factory."
Cerberus let out a contented yip, and for the first time that day, Yumi felt like things were going to be okay.
The End of Chapter 8