Lane Son.
His Korean name was Son Bi.
"So you've arrived."
"Yes, Father."
He was the man who raised me, one of the two parents I respected most—the patriarch of our household.
"Bronie, look how much you've grown."
"Grandpa?"
"That's right. It's your grandfather."
As he spoke, he leaned down to match Bronie's height, a gentle smile appearing on his face. Bronie, who had been hiding behind my leg, peeked out cautiously before stepping forward.
She folded her hands over her stomach and gave a polite, half-bow.
"Bronie is Bronie!"
"Indeed. And I am Bronie's grandfather. How old are you this year?"
"One, two, three... I'm five years old!"
"Is that so? You're very well-behaved for your age."
At my father's praise, Bronie beamed with a shy giggle. Father chuckled and carefully reached out to stroke her hair.
Perhaps it was because he only ever had a son, but his touch was surprisingly soft—worlds apart from the rougher way he used to handle me when I was a boy.
Did Bronie sense the affection in his gesture?
"Heehee~"
"Whoa there."
—Thump.
She reached out her tiny arms and dove straight into his embrace. It was her signature display of affection for someone she had taken a liking to. At first, Father looked a bit flustered, much like the very first time he had held her when she was an infant.
However, a benevolent smile soon graced his lips. He pulled her into a warm hug and patted her back gently.
After clinging to him for a while, Bronie pulled away and immediately hugged my leg, looking up at me. Her eyes were sparkling as if she were asking, 'Did I do a good job?' I ruffled her hair and picked her up.
"I guess Daddy is still number one for the little one, huh?" Father remarked.
"Not Mommy?" I teased.
"Mommy too, of course."
With those words, Father tapped his keycard against the apartment's main entrance and opened the door. We followed him inside, took the elevator, and finally entered the family home.
"...Something smells good."
"You're right."
The moment the door opened, the delicious aroma hit us. Bronie lifted her head and licked her lips expectantly. I found myself doing the same as we stepped further in, met by the lively sounds of chatter from the kitchen.
"Mother, the Bulgogi is ready," a familiar voice said.
"Then please, start setting the table. The stew will be done in just a moment."
"Mother, I've finished seasoning the vegetables here too."
"Put those in this bowl, dear."
I realized then that it was almost dinner time. Watching the whirlwind of activity in the kitchen, I set Bronie down in the living room.
"Bronie, can you stay here and be a good girl?"
"Yes!"
"Thank you. You can watch whatever you want while you wait."
"Really? Then I want to watch my anime!"
"Go ahead."
"Yay!"
Well, I suppose this is where she takes after both my wife and me. Since Bronya and I both enjoy anime and games, Bronie naturally gravitated toward subculture media. I sometimes worry she might get too obsessed and let it affect her daily life, but my wife seems to have handled that balance well.
More than that, our daughter is remarkably intelligent. She knows how to restrain herself and sticks strictly to the time limits she sets for herself. Watching her recently—even with her studies, which she manages on her own schedule—I sometimes wonder if she's living her second life. I mean, considering my own circumstances, it wouldn't be impossible.
...Well, honestly, what does it matter if she's a genius or a regressor? The only thing that matters is that Bronie is my adorable daughter. As long as she doesn't stray onto a bad path, I'll support her in whatever direction she wants to go with all the strength I have.
"Honey, do you need help with anything?" I called out to the kitchen.
"Oh, you're here? Sorry to ask as soon as you arrive, but could you help set the table?" Bronya replied.
"Understood."
"That goes for you too, Son," my mother chimed in.
"Yes, Mother."
Father and I helped carry the dishes prepared by the women, and soon the preparations for dinner were complete. For the record, the meal was fantastic. I already knew my mother and Bronya were excellent cooks, but Seele's skills were surprisingly impressive as well. Judging by how satisfied Father looked, it was a definite success. Then again, considering the snacks she occasionally brings over, I should have expected it.
"Bronie, is it yummy?" Mother asked.
"Yes! It was super tasty!"
"Is that so? Then it was worth all the hard work."
Mother watched with a satisfied smile as Bronie polished off her bowl. Seeing her enjoy the Bulgogi Mother had prepared was enough to make anyone feel full just by watching.
Once dinner was over, I stepped out of the bathroom to see Mother taking fruit out of the fridge to peel.
"I'll do that," I offered.
"It's fine. Go help your wife instead."
She gestured toward Bronya and Seele, who were cleaning up in the kitchen. I had no choice but to nod and obey.
"Honey, is there anything I can do?"
"No. It's fine, so go rest. You did all the driving today," Bronya said gently.
"She's right, Captain. Leave this to Bronya and me," Seele added.
And just like that, I was banished from the kitchen. Hmm, I want to help, but there's nothing for me to do. Maybe I should just play with Bronie?
"Oh? Where's Father?" I noticed his seat was empty.
"He went out for a smoke," Mother replied.
"Ah, I see."
He probably went outside because Bronie was here. Usually, he just goes to the balcony. He must have realized the smell of cigarettes wouldn't be good for the child and stepped out of the building entirely. Back when we were kids, he only went out if Mother nagged him. I don't know if it's just a habit now or if a granddaughter feels different than a son.
"Have some apple," Mother said.
"Thank you."
"Thank you for the food!" Bronie chirped.
"Of course, my sweet granddaughter. Eat up."
Mother handed a piece of apple on a fork to Bronie. As I watched Bronie stuff her cheeks until they were round, Bronya and Seele finished the cleanup, and Father returned from his smoke break. We all gathered in the living room.
"... ..."
The living room fell into a heavy silence. It was Father who broke it first.
"...I've heard the situation from the mother of the house."
"Yes?"
"Miss Seele?"
"Ah, yes!" Seele sat up straight.
"If my wife's speculation is correct... is it true that you might be her younger sister?"
"...Personally, I don't think that's possible."
"Right. Because the ages don't match up, correct?"
"Yes, exactly."
Seeing Seele nod, Father closed his eyes for a moment. Then, he suddenly let out a small, scoffing laugh and shook his head.
"Honey?" Mother asked, confused.
"Father?"
"Ah, sorry. It's just... the whole situation is so absurd. My son brings home a marriage prospect, and she turns out to be my wife's sister, and they already have a child... the reality of it is just baffling."
...Well, I can understand that sentiment. Nothing happening in our house right now is something a normal family would ever experience. From the sudden existence of a child to the revelation of secret bloodlines. These are the kinds of plot points you see in novels or dramas, not reality. Honestly, I'm at the point where I wouldn't be surprised if something even crazier happened.
"However, whether Miss Seele is a blood relative or not... honestly, it doesn't matter."
...Eh?
"...Honey? What on earth do you mean by that?"
"Father? What are you saying?"
I wasn't the only one confused; Mother questioned him immediately as well. Father had a bitter expression on his face. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket but then looked at Bronie and shoved it back in.
"I mean exactly what I said. Kevin."
"Yes."
Father addressed me, closing his eyes once more before slowly opening his mouth to speak.
"You... are not our biological son."
.
.
.
.
.
"...Come again?"
Wait... WHAT did he just say?!