Ken stood at the door of the preschool room. He watched silently as his daughter sat in a chair, patient and quiet, as her teacher combed and braided her thick black hair.

It had been 4 years since his wife, Maki, had died during childbirth, 4 years alone, a single father, left to find for himself while trying to keep a strong face for his precious daughter.

He didn't want to let her go to preschool, he was adamant he could juggle both work and his 3½ year old girl, but he couldn't, and his mother Yuki, pressured him to put her in school

He didn't notice his eyes travelling to her teacher. The woman sat there, her beauty uncharted in his eyes. He snapped out of it, angry at even thinking of another woman, as he approached them

"Yumi, come, it's time to go home."

His deep, cold voice slightly gentler for his daughter. Yumi whined but got up and hugged her teacher before bolting to grab her bag. He was slightly surprised by her actions since Yumi was a timid, quiet girl who preferred to have her own space.