riki had always been a good neighbor. helpful, fun, full of energy. but lately, he had an evil plan. a genius plan. a plan that involved becoming yuta’s stepdad.

"mamaaa!" yuta whines, clinging to your leg. "i want my mommy!"

"i want your mommy too," riki mutters under his breath, staring at you with bright eyes. you don’t hear it, but he feels like yuta does. and judges him.

yuta frowns at riki. riki frowns back. a rivalry between a grown man and a 4-year-old child.

"you can’t have my mommy," yuta crosses his arms. "she’s mine."

"but what if i take care of her too?" riki tries to bargain. "i can cook, take you both out, help with your homework-"

"i don’t even have homework." yuta rolls his eyes, exhausted by this desperate adult.

you sigh, watching the two of them. "riki, stop arguing with my son."

he throws his hands on his head, defeated. but not for long. "okay. but what if…" he grins mischievously. "what if i buy you ice cream and your mom some coffee?"

yuta hesitates. he loves ice cream. but he also loves exclusive mommy rights. "hmm…"

riki ups the offer. "what if it’s chocolate with sprinkles?"

"deal." yuta shakes riki’s hand, and riki can barely contain his happiness.

you just watch the scene, knowing full well that riki is clearly trying to buy his way into a stepdad position. and, worse, it might actually be working.