Chapter 21 – The Home of the Overprotective Queens
The golden rays of the evening sun painted the entire villa in shades of amber and red. As the car rolled past the tall iron gates, the guards saluted in unison, the automated doors opening soundlessly.
Inside the black luxury car, I leaned against the window, watching the familiar scenery pass — the garden filled with pink roses, the marble fountain that sparkled under the light, the endless calm that surrounded this massive estate.
"Home," I whispered as the car stopped in front of the main entrance.
The driver stepped out instantly and opened my door, bowing slightly. "Welcome home, young master."
I smiled politely. "Thank you."
And, as always, standing right at the door like a loyal shadow, was Rika, our family butler — or rather, the head of all the household staff. Her posture was perfect, her black uniform crisp, and her calm eyes softened the moment she saw me.
"Welcome home, young master Haruya," she said with her usual graceful tone. "Madam Ayaka and your sisters have been waiting eagerly. Dinner is ready."
I smiled awkwardly. "Waiting eagerly, huh? That sounds dangerous."
Rika chuckled softly. "Perhaps just… motherly concern, multiplied by three."
"Three? You mean them too?" I sighed. "Don't tell me Aoi and Sakura are in on it again."
Rika gave a smile — which basically meant yes, they are.
---
The moment I stepped inside the villa, I didn't even have time to remove my shoes before a voice shouted from the other side of the hall.
"MY BABY BOY IS HOME!"
Mom.
I braced myself just in time as Ayaka Takahara, my mother — a graceful, elegant woman in her late thirties — came running across the hall in high heels that somehow didn't slow her down.
In one second, she crashed into me, wrapping me in a suffocating hug. My head disappeared somewhere between her ample bosom and her hair, and I could barely breathe.
"Mom—! Oxygen! Please!" I gasped, tapping her shoulder.
She just hugged tighter. "I missed you so much! Did any girl bother you? Did you eat properly? Were your classes okay? Are you hydrated?!"
"Mom! Please—one question at a time!"
Behind her, two figures peeked from the hallway — my sisters Aoi and Sakura — both dressed in casual clothes but wearing the same 'we missed our precious little brother' expression.
"Mom, you're going to crush him again," Sakura said, smiling softly. "At least let him breathe before interrogating him."
Ayaka turned slightly but refused to let go. "He's my only son! My precious baby! Do you know how dangerous that school is? It's co-ed! Full of girls!"
Aoi crossed her arms, serious and protective as always. "Mom's right.
I blinked. "Wait, Are you stalking my school's demographics?"
Aoi looked unbothered. "Of course. I had Rika call the education board for updated records."
Sakura chuckled quietly. "We just care about you, Haru. You're our only brother, remember?"
I sighed, giving up as they all closed in around me like a protective squad. "You guys act like I'm made of glass."
Ayaka lifted her chin dramatically. "You are made of glass — precious, rare, and fragile. My baby shouldn't even have to go to school with girls at all."
I deadpanned. "Mom, I can't study at home forever."
"You could if I build a private academy in the backyard," she countered.
"Mom—"
Sakura interrupted, giggling. "Let him sit down at least."
---
We finally moved to the dining room. The long table was filled with dishes — grilled fish, tamagoyaki, miso soup, steamed rice, and my favorite, strawberry mochi.
The moment I sat, Aoi placed a napkin on my lap, while Sakura poured me water.
I groaned. "You know, I can do that myself."
Aoi frowned. "No. What if you spill hot soup on your hands?"
Sakura nodded seriously. "Exactly. You can't risk injuring those delicate fingers. You might need them someday — maybe to sign autographs, right?"
"Autographs?" I blinked. "Why would I—"
Ayaka smiled proudly. "Because my son will be famous. An actor, a star, a symbol of male dignity and class. Every woman will know his name."
Aoi smiled. "And every woman will have to get through us first."
Sakura smirked. "Like final bosses."
I stared at the three of them. "You guys sound less like family and more like a cult."
They all smiled in unison. "A protective cult."
---
As we started eating, Ayaka leaned forward, her eyes filled with motherly suspicion. "So, my sweet boy… did anything happen at school today?"
"Define 'happen,'" I said carefully.
"Any girl come too close to you? Anyone touch you? Any strange looks?"
I coughed. "Mom, you're making it sound like I walk into a war zone."
"Same difference," Aoi muttered, glaring at her chopsticks as if they were enemies.
Sakura, ever the calm one, tilted her head. "Though… we did see something online."
My chopsticks froze midair. "...What did you see?"
Ayaka gasped. "Don't tell me it's true!"
"Mom, please—"
Aoi pulled out her phone like a prosecutor in court. "There's a video circulating. A girl — Reina Shimizu — punched another girl. For you."
Sakura added with a grin, "She defended your honor."
Ayaka clutched her chest. "SHE DID WHAT?! WHO IS THIS REINA GIRL?!"
"Mom—"
"Is she qualified to be near you? What's her background? Who are her parents? Does she wash her hands before eating?!"
I groaned. "You're acting like I'm getting married."
Aoi leaned closer, eyes narrowing like a detective. "So you admit there's something going on."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "No, I'm saying there's nothing going on!"
Sakura smiled slyly. "You didn't deny it fast enough."
Ayaka slammed her hand on the table. "No more co-ed classes! I'll transfer you to an all-boys private institution!"
"Mom, there are not much all-boys schools. Boys are too rare!"
She blinked. "Then I'll start one myself!"
I facepalmed. Why do I even try?
---
Dinner continued with endless teasing and interrogation.
Every few minutes, one of them would ask a "totally innocent" question.
"Was she pretty, this Reina?"
"Did she hold your hand when saving you?"
"Did you blush?"
"Did she blush?"
"Do you need me to run a background check?"
I sighed with every answer, and every sigh just made them more suspicious.
---
After dinner, I finally escaped to my room.
My sanctuary. My peace.
I collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
A few seconds later, my phone buzzed.
It was a new message.
From Reina.
> Reina:
I made it home safely. Thank you again for forgiving me, Haruya. I really meant everything I said today.
Also… I'm glad you accepted my apology.
I smiled faintly.
> Haruya:
I told you already, no need to thank me. Just take care of yourself.
Another ping.
> Reina:
You're too kind, Haruya.
…I'll repay it someday.
I blinked at the last line, confused. Repay? What does she mean by that?
I sighed and set the phone down.
But before I could relax, my door creaked open.
"...Mom?"
Ayaka peeked in, holding a warm blanket. "Just checking on my baby. Are you texting any girls?"
I groaned. "Mom—"
From behind her, Aoi appeared with a serious look. "We'll be installing a communication monitor tomorrow to monitor you in school from far distance."
Then Sakura popped her head in too. "Don't worry, it's just for your safety."
I threw the pillow over my face. "I'm surrounded by maniacs."
From the doorway, I heard them giggle softly — warm, loving, overbearing maniacs.
---
As I lay back on my bed, I couldn't help but smile.
Annoying or not, I knew one thing for sure:
In this strange world, where men were rare and women ruled society…
I was the most protected boy alive.
---
To be continued…