Lesson Learned

An Uncomfortable Subject

Dr Yokoyama nodded, turning to her dad. "Chairman, your thoughts?"

Dad shifted in the chair, avoiding looking at her. "...I can understand why she's upset," he replied measuredly. "But in my opinion, Nakamura is the one causing an issue and interfering."

Mitsuko felt a rise of frustration. "Dad!"

Their therapist raised a hand. "Let's listen and understand your father's thoughts here, Mitsuko."

She scowled and kept silent, narrowing her eyes at her dad.

Dad grimaced but looked unapologetic. "While I'll admit I am still learning to parent in a more...positive way. I fully believe Nakamura's interference here is selfish and immature." He frowned. "Children need boundaries, especially if they are veering on sexual intercourse."

Gakushuu buried his face in his palm. "Oh, God..."

"There has to be boundaries," Dad insisted. "And after the incident last time, it is not unreasonable to track my daughter's whereabouts in the most efficient way possible."

"And what was this incident you are referring to?" The other man asked.

"The last time Nakamura and Mitsuko went on a date in the evening they were assaulted by a homophobe—"

"The guy didn't physically assault us!"

"—Which lead to Mitsuko having pepper spray the delinquent to protect herself," dad continued. "Which resulted in them running away and then ending up in an adult bar full of drugs and who knows what else."

Mitsuko scowled, hunching her shoulders up. "...We left quickly..."

"So as you can see, I have more than a good reason to be concerned," dad said firmly.

Dr Yokoyama nodded. "That does seem like a fair reason, to be honest."

"Except he wasn't just tracking us," Mitsuko argued. "He was messaging me throughout the date!"

"I was warning you on the latest crime statistics."

"You were being paranoid."

"Alright." Their therapist interjected lightly. "Now, Chairman, how do you feel about your daughter now wanting you to interfere as much?"

"I think—"

"No, I meant how do you feel emotionally?"

There was a pause as dad just stared at the therapist blankly.

"...I don't follow what you mean."

Mom sighed exasperation. "For goodness sake, Gakuhou, just answer the question."

Dr Yokoyama frowned. "I'm asking how you feel. What are your emotions currently regarding the disagreement you and Mitsuko are having?"

There was another long silence as they all stared at him expectantly.

Dad's lips were set in a thin line.

"I'm perfectly fine. Emotionally."

Dr Yokoyama stared at him for a long moment, before leaning back in his chair. "....Really?"

"Yes." Dad's voice was clipped. "I'm neither angry nor happy about the situation."

Mitsuko watched warily as her dad and Dr Yokoyama engaged in a long staring battle for nearly a full two minutes.

"Uh, huh..." Their therapist tapped his pen against his chin and then scribbled something in his notebook. "Interesting..."

"He's always been like this," mom said bitterly, crossing his arms. "He never talks about how he feels."