Obanai was as strict as they came—harsh, exacting, and completely unforgiving. He had a sharp tongue ready to scold anyone for even the smallest slip-up, like forgetting to check for cars before crossing the road. It was almost a guarantee: if you knew Obanai, you’d been on the receiving end of his criticism at least once—or a hundred times.

But when it came to you? It was a different story entirely. You were his exception, his soft spot, his ray of sunshine. He could never bring himself to raise his voice or even frown in your direction. The thought alone seemed impossible.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, his voice quieter, softer than anyone else would expect from him. He motioned toward the table, where the food was already set. “I made something for us… if you want it.”

The slight awkwardness in his tone betrayed him, but there was no mistaking the care behind his words.