Hey, Akito.

Just you today?

Yeah, just dropping by on the way to work.

Can I get the usual blend?

You got it.

Sigh...

(He has to sort out his issues with his dad by himself...)

(So I really should just be patient and give him space but...)

Sigh...

(I wonder if he actually did manage to talk to his dad...)

(Based on what Toya said himself,

his old man's as stubborn they get.)

(But at the same time, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I guess...)

...

Why the cranky look?

And here's your coffee.

Oh, also...

Want some free cookies to go with it?

They're pretty good.

No, thanks.

That's more up Toya or Kohane's alley.

I'm not a little kid that gets lured in by sweets.

Hahaha. Suit yourself.

So why is my very grown-up customer sighing and scowling this much today?

I'm guessing you're worried about Toya, right?

Yeah, that's right...

Sigh... If only our dads were like you, Ken.

Hmm? I know about Toya's father, but you too...?

Is yours another difficult one too?

Well, you could say that.

I've told you about my older sister, right?

Yeah, you keep complaining about her.

Something about being her personal servant?

Ah, I see...

Do your father and sister not get along?

That'd be a huge understatement.

My sister, Ena, can't stand our dad.

She used to flip out when she was in junior high anytime he saw his face, and took it out on me sometimes too...

Seriously, why do I have to get all caught up in her issues?

...

Back then, the only way I could think of calming her down was to run out to the store and get her ice cream or something, and now she's gotten too used to it.

She's shrewd like that, but she goes berserk if something starts bothering her. Luckily, I don't have to worry about her now like I did before...

She rebelled against dad and still does it through her art.

I see.

I mean, Toya should just stop listening to what his dad has to say...

I understand how you feel, but it may not be so easy for Toya.

His dad's been drilling classical music into him since he was little and he obediently did as he was told to this point.

It's so ingrained in him that he can't just separate himself from his father. Just like how an apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I guess you're right...

But I wish I could do something to help him get over it...

...

Hey, what are you doing?

You're messing up my hair!

Hahaha! That'll suit you better.

No, it won't. Sheesh...

Just let Toya deal with his dilemmas at his own pace for now. There's no need to obsess over it.

I wasn't obsessing...

Then it's all good. Just keep doing what you've been doing: singing together with Toya.

That's what he needs the most, I think.

Ken...

Yeah, you're right...

(Besides, I decided to step back and let Toya do what he's gotta do.)

Thanks for your insight, Ken.

Don't worry about it.

I'm expecting great things from you guys.

On a different topic, how's your job? Are you being a good, diligent employee?

Huh? Believe it or not, I've never missed a day of work or slacked off once...

Hahaha. I know, I know...

Sheesh.

Anyway, I've gotta go...

Have a good one.

Alright, time to go...!