Chapter 23 — The Family Meeting
The lunch bell rang, and the classroom filled with the familiar buzz of chatter. I opened my bento box quietly, the food neatly prepared by Mom, as always. Saeko sat beside me, her usual shy smile brightening my day, while Reina sat a few desks away, pretending not to look at me — but failing miserably.
I sighed softly. Today was going to be complicated.
I had promised my family something yesterday, and now it was time to tell the girls. I waited until the room was calm, then leaned slightly toward them.
"Hey," I said, my voice low but clear. "There's something I need to tell you both."
Saeko looked up instantly. "Yes, Haruya?"
Reina turned in her seat, curious. "What is it?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "My family wants to meet you two."
Both of them froze like statues.
"W-wait," Saeko stuttered, her cheeks instantly turning pink. "Y-your family? As in… your actual family?"
Reina blinked, eyes wide. "You mean your mother and… your sisters?"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah. They want to meet you both properly."
For a moment, the two just stared at me. Then Reina's eyes started to sparkle, like a kid who'd just been told she could touch the moon.
"This is… this is a huge opportunity!" she whispered to herself, almost shaking with excitement.
Saeko, though nervous, also looked thrilled. "H-Haruya, I… I'm honored! I'll do my best to make a good impression!"
I chuckled nervously. "You don't have to overthink it. They just want to know who you are. That's all."
(Yeah right, Haru. That's what you think. They'll interrogate them like detectives.)
Still, seeing their enthusiasm warmed me. They didn't see it as a burden — they saw it as a chance to connect.
"If your family likes us," Reina said quietly, "maybe they'll understand that we truly care about you."
"Yeah," Saeko added softly, her eyes glowing with sincerity. "And maybe… we can be closer."
I smiled at their determination. "Then it's settled. After school, you'll both come with me."
Both girls nodded eagerly, their faces glowing with excitement.
---
After School
The sun dipped slightly in the sky as classes ended. I walked toward the school gate with Saeko and Reina by my side. Waiting for us was the familiar black luxury car — sleek, polished, and very noticeable.
My two bodyguards stood beside it, dressed in formal black suits. Their eyes scanned every direction, sharp and watchful, before they bowed slightly as I approached.
"Welcome back, young master," one of them said, opening the car door.
Saeko and Reina exchanged nervous glances before stepping inside with me. The car's interior was elegant — soft leather seats, tinted windows, and a faint scent of lavender.
Reina whispered, "I can't believe this… I'm actually sitting in the Takahara family car…"
Saeko nodded shyly, fidgeting with her hands. "It feels like I'm dreaming…"
But their moment of awe didn't last long.
The two bodyguards sat in the front seats, silent but intimidating. Their gazes in the rearview mirror were sharp, focused directly on the girls. It was as if they were silently saying, 'If you make one wrong move, we'll know.'
Reina tried to stay composed but could feel cold sweat on her back.
Saeko kept her head slightly down, whispering under her breath, "They're so scary…"
I sighed, trying to break the tension. "Don't mind them. They're just doing their job."
"Y-yeah," Reina said with a nervous laugh. "Their job is giving us a heart attack."
That made me chuckle. "You'll get used to it."
---
Arriving at the Mansion
After a smooth drive through the city, we reached the Takahara residence — a massive, beautifully designed villa surrounded by gardens and white marble fountains.
As soon as the car stopped, the butler Rika and several maids lined up near the entrance.
"Welcome home, young master," Rika said with a polite bow. "We're honored to receive your guests today."
Reina and Saeko stepped out of the car, their jaws practically dropping as they looked around.
"This place is… unbelievable," Reina whispered.
"It's like a palace…" Saeko murmured, eyes wide.
I smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, it's… home."
Rika took my bag as usual and then gave the girls a gentle smile — though her professional tone remained formal. "Please, follow me. The Madam and young ladies are waiting inside."
We walked through the long hallway, soft music playing faintly in the background. The air smelled of roses and fresh tea.
But I could tell Saeko and Reina were getting more nervous with every step.
When we entered the grand living room, my mother Ayaka, and my sisters Aoi and Sakura, were already seated elegantly on the sofa.
The moment they saw us, all three stood up.
Ayaka's warm but sharp gaze landed first on Reina and Saeko. "So these are the girls."
Sakura smiled softly. "They're cute."
Aoi crossed her arms. "Let's see if they're also trustworthy."
I sighed quietly. Here we go.
---
The Interrogation— I Mean, Meeting
"Welcome to our home," my mother said, gesturing for them to sit. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
"Th-thank you, Madam Takahara," Reina said, bowing respectfully.
Saeko followed quickly. "We're very grateful to be invited."
They both sat carefully, hands on their laps, trying to maintain their posture.
Ayaka smiled politely. "So, you're friends with my son?"
"Yes, Madam," Saeko said softly. "We study in the same class."
Reina nodded. "We both value Haruya very much."
Aoi raised an eyebrow. "Value him how?"
Reina froze. "I-I mean, as a friend!"
Sakura giggled quietly, sipping her tea. "Relax, we're just asking. You both look nervous."
Saeko bowed her head slightly. "I'm sorry. It's just… meeting Haruya's family feels so special. We didn't want to make any mistakes."
Ayaka's eyes softened, but her tone stayed serious. "I understand. It's just that our family protects Haruya dearly. You see, men are rare in this world — and my son is my greatest treasure. I can't afford to be careless with the people around him."
Reina nodded immediately. "Of course, Madam! We understand completely!"
Aoi leaned forward. "Then tell me — what are your intentions with him?"
Reina almost choked. "I-intentions?! N-nothing bad! We just want to be his friends!"
Saeko's face turned pink. "Y-yes! We only wish to support and learn from him!"
Sakura giggled again. "They're so honest. It's good."
Mom smiled faintly but continued her questioning. "Do either of you have any special talents?"
"Talents?" Saeko blinked.
Aoi explained calmly. "Something you're good at. Skills, studies, sports — anything that proves you're serious girls, not just chasing my brother for his looks."
Reina straightened up. "I'm in the top five of our class, Madam. I also help with volunteer programs at the academy."
Saeko hesitated, then smiled shyly. "I'm part of the art club. I paint and design scenery backgrounds for school events."
Sakura clapped her hands softly. "That's wonderful! Both of you sound hardworking."
But Aoi's expression remained guarded. "And are you sure you're not bullying him?"
Both girls' faces turned pale. "W-what?! No! Never!"
I quickly stepped in. "Aoi-nee, come on, they're not like that."
My mother gave me a side glance. "We just have to be sure, dear. You're too kind — sometimes too trusting."
I smiled faintly. "That's part of who I am."
Reina nodded eagerly. "And it's one of the reasons everyone respects him at school!"
Saeko added, her voice steady but warm, "Haruya treats everyone kindly, even when they don't deserve it. We… admire that about him."
For the first time, I saw Ayaka's eyes soften completely. The defensive sharpness in her tone melted away.
"Admire him, huh?" she said gently. "That's a nice thing to hear."
Sakura smiled brightly. "I like them, Mom. They're honest."
Aoi sighed, giving a small smile. "Maybe. But fine, I'll admit — they seem genuine."
Ayaka leaned back in her seat, her calm motherly expression returning. "Alright, girls. I believe you. But remember this — my son is precious to us. If either of you ever hurt him, emotionally or otherwise, I will personally make sure you regret it."
Both girls straightened instantly. "Y-yes, Madam!"
I sighed softly. "Mom…"
She smiled at me lovingly. "Relax, darling. I just want them to know where we stand."
---
After some more tea and light conversation, the atmosphere finally eased.
The girls began to relax, and even Sakura started chatting happily with them about school life and hobbies.
Reina and Saeko glanced at each other with relief — they'd survived the Takahara family's "interview."
As they left, Mom whispered to me, "You chose good friends, Haru. I can see it in their eyes."
"Thanks, Mom."
She smiled warmly. "Just promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't let them steal too much of your heart at once."
I chuckled softly.
---
To be continued...
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Author's Note 📝
Hello everyone, it's King_Fuzu here!
Now, I'd love to know something from you all.
What do you like the most about this novel?
Is it the world-building? The family bond between Haruya and his mom and sisters? The reverse-world concept? Or maybe Saeko and Reina's slow development?
I really want to understand what moments connect with you the most so I can keep improving and make each new chapter better than the last.
Your thoughts, opinions, and honest feedback mean a lot to me. So if you ever want to share your ideas, emotions, or suggestions — please don't hesitate to comment. I read everything carefully, and I truly appreciate the time you spend here with me and this story.
Thank you again for your patience, love, and support.
Let's keep walking together with Haruya's story — one chapter at a time.
With gratitude,
– King_Fuzu