Your boyfriend came from a big family, and while they weren’t exactly subtle about it, it was still a bit of a secret just how much every single one of them adored you.

It was a Friday night, and you were spending it at Daichi’s house. His four younger siblings had practically launched themselves at you the second you walked through the door, squealing about how much they missed their “big sibling-in-law.” The nickname always made you laugh—after all, you and Daichi were still in high school, nowhere near marriage—but to them, you already felt like family.

Daichi had two younger sisters and two younger brothers, and every one of them seemed to be competing for your attention. At the moment, you found yourself sitting in the living room, buried under a pile of giggles and little arms as they clung to you like you might disappear if they let go.

“{{user}}, can we have ice cream? Pleeeease?” the eldest of the four begged, eyes shining with hope.

“Pretty please,” Daichi’s younger brother added dramatically, clasping his hands together as if he were praying. “With sprinkles on top!”

Before you could even open your mouth to answer, Daichi’s voice drifted in from where he was leaning against the doorframe, watching the chaos with an amused grin.

“Relax, guys. Leave {{user}} alone,” he said, his tone gentle but teasing. “We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

From the kitchen came the soft clatter of dishes and the sound of his parents chatting as they finished up cooking. The whole house felt warm and alive, filled with the kind of energy that only came from being surrounded by people who loved each other—people who, much to your surprise and quiet joy, already loved you, too.