The three of them returned home together. Shoji had driven to the police station, so Shuto rode back with him.

They arrived home around 6 PM. Haka Ri, returning home after a long day, started preparing dinner with whatever was in the refrigerator. A home-cooked meal after so long, Shuto thought, but he didn’t feel particularly sentimental. His interest in his family had waned.

After dinner, which they ate mostly in silence, Shoji said, “Shuto, we need to talk after dinner. About what happened today. Haka Ri, you join us too.”

Shuto was used to these silent meals. Ever since he started junior high, their dinners were like this. There was barely any conversation, aside from occasional work-related talk between Shoji and Haka Ri.

Shuto didn't know when or why they became so distant. It just happened.

After dinner and the dishes were done, the family meeting began in the living room. The topic, naturally, was the assault Shuto committed at school.

“Ugh…Of all people, you had to injure the chairman’s son. He’s the son of the chairman of Nakazato Enterprises, the parent company of where Haka Ri and I work. He'll find out tomorrow who hurt his son. This is troublesome…"

"That’s a serious problem, but before that…I still can’t believe you’re really Shuto…Are you…Shuto?"

Shoji sighs wearily, while Haka Ri is still bewildered by Shuto’s appearance. To reassure her, Shuto shares personal details only he would know. Finally convinced, Haka Ri accepts that it’s him.

"Hmm…? Junior high students are in their growth spurt, it’s not that surprising."

"Then do you remember how tall Shuto was last year? His face has also matured considerably compared to just half a month ago."

"…No, I don’t remember. I haven't really looked at Shuto's face since he started junior high."

Shuto sighs inwardly at Shoji’s words, taken aback by his father's lack of interest in his own son.

"Back to the topic…Shuto, do you understand the gravity of what you did today?"

"Not really. I just beat up some human garbage who bullied me until they were broken."

"Bullied…? You were bullied at school?"

Seriously, that’s the first thing you ask… Shuto sighs again. Haka Ri, seeming to have already suspected it, isn’t surprised.

"Why didn’t you tell us? If you had, maybe this wouldn’t have happened."

"Even if I told you, wouldn't you have just told me to deal with it myself, and not to cause you any trouble?"

"…"

"That's not…"

Both parents fall silent, unable to deny it.

"I regret (a little) causing trouble for you. But I don't regret beating those guys up. What, was I supposed to just endure the bullying without retaliating?"

"The problem is that you assaulted the chairman’s son. If it weren't for that, it would have been a minor incident, a simple case of assault between kids, not even worth involving the police."

So, if it wasn't Nakazato, it wouldn’t have mattered who I hurt… Shuto is taken aback by Shoji’s callous indifference.

"So, hurting Nakazato was a mistake?"

"Of course. Depending on the situation, Chairman Nakazato could demote us or even fire us. He could blacklist us, severely impacting our future careers."

Shoji says this wearily, glancing at Shuto. Haka Ri looks at him reproachfully.

"You’re talking about demotion and dismissal, but you don’t seem that worried. I expected more of a panicked reaction."

"…Actually, Haka Ri and I are planning to leave the company and start our own in six months. So demotion or a pay cut doesn't matter. Getting fired would be a bit troublesome, though."

"… (Seriously? This is the first I’m hearing of this. Both of you are leaving to start your own company…)"

Shuto feels left out. Both parents work at a pharmaceutical company under Nakazato Enterprises, holding relatively high positions. They're planning to leave and establish their own pharmaceutical company.

"Ugh…We’ll probably face pressure from Nakazato Enterprises. We won't be destitute, but the chairman will likely target us. You’ve really caused a lot of trouble."

Shoji glares at Shuto. Feeling his gaze, Shuto feels a chill. They’re only talking about their own futures, completely ignoring one thing.

"…What do you think about me being bullied? I went through a lot. Almost every day, violence, verbal abuse, my belongings vandalized, even falsely accused of a crime. Don’t you have anything to say about that?"

Shuto asks, not expecting much of a response. Both parents examine him closely.

"…Are you alright physically? If you have any injuries, we'll take you to the hospital and I’ll bring some medicine from the company. While the effects might be limited, if you claim you were bullied with the hospital diagnosis as evidence, you’ll have more support.

We can also replace your damaged textbooks and notebooks."

"Yeah, that’s necessary, but…"

Shuto is disappointed by Shoji’s priorities.

"You can handle the bullying yourself, can't you? If there are any more problems, tell us, okay? But don't resort to violence."

Haka Ri shows some concern but isn’t truly sympathetic.

"Right. You’re still in compulsory education, so you won't face serious charges, but don’t cause any more trouble. After all, you attend one of the top private junior high schools in the country."

Shoji ends the family meeting with those words.

(…I knew it…They didn’t really care or worry about me. They're more worried about their jobs.)

Shuto feels a chill, realizing nothing has changed.

(They aren't exactly toxic parents, but they’re incredibly indifferent. Well, at least they’re not saying I’m at fault for being bullied…)

Shuto makes peace with his parents’ indifference, resolving not to expect anything from them.

"Oh, right. Dad, I’ve been hearing strange noises from the basement lately."

Changing the subject, Shuto asks this, testing whether his parents can perceive the black vortex in the basement.

"From the basement…?"

"You don't want me to go in there alone, right? Let’s check it together. Mom too."

He leads them to the basement. The sound from the vortex grows louder as they descend the stairs.

"Don't you hear anything?"

"…No, nothing."

"I don’t hear anything either."

Shuto frowns at their responses. Shoji opens the basement door. Shuto sees the black vortex in the center of the room. He could enter the otherworld instantly.

However, his parents say nothing, no reaction whatsoever.

"I think there’s something in this room…"

"…I don’t see anything but work documents. Maybe there are rats?"

Neither Shoji nor Haka Ri react to the black, swirling object before them. Or rather…

"You can't see it?"

"See what?"

The black vortex isn't reflected in their eyes.

(Only I can see and hear this black vortex…)

Shuto learns something new about the otherworld.

Mitsuki Shoji

42 years old, 180cm tall, Graying hair, tired-looking eyes with little visible sclera, prominent nasolabial folds, thin build,

Works at Nakazato Pharmaceutical, department head. Devoted to his work, with few hobbies.

Mitsuki Haka Ri

39 years old, 166cm tall, Looks late 20s, Dyed black hair, original color unknown, average build,

Works at Nakazato Pharmaceutical, section chief. Hobbies include reading (mostly mystery novels).

Note: Shuto’s parents aren’t toxic or neglectful. They will understand him if he talks to them, and they won’t dismiss his concerns. However, they show less interest in their son than other parents, tending to be detached.