At 6 a.m. sharp, catastrophe arrived in the form of Kagura. She flicked the bedroom lights on one after another, kicking the doors of the guys open with the mercilessness of a tax collector: "Rise and shine, future heartbreakers!"
Chifuyu sat up in his bed like a zombie, checking the time: "Kagura, it's the butt crack of dawn."
Kagura gathered all the boys to the living room. Yuji was already awake, sipping tea in the kitchen without looking back. She planted her fists on her hips, grin bright enough to qualify as a crime: "So, did you guys think the girls would be the only ones providing fan service to our customers?"
Chifuyu: "Uh… maybe?"
Diego: "Why, what's going on?"
Yuji: "I better not be dressing up again."
Kagura: "Well, too bad Yuji! Because this Sunday, you boys will be doing a Host Club Cafe!"
Nicholas: "Oh boy."
Yuji: "No way. No. Absolutely not."
Kagura wagged a finger: "You guys need to spice things up. Give the ladies something to scream about. A little bromance, a little tension, some BL never hurt sales."
Chifuyu: "You've been watching too much anime."
Caesar: "Sounds like you just want us to reenact your fantasy."
Kagura: "Not just mine, but every ladies'."
Diego thoughtfully scratched his chin: "I mean… she's not entirely wrong. People eat that stuff up."
Nicholas turned red: "I—I don't think I'm emotionally prepared to be someone's ship material."
Caesar: "If it's for the café's benefit… I shall suffer with dignity."
Kagura: "That's the noble sacrifice I like to hear."
Yuji glared at all of them: "We're hunters, not gentlemen of the night."
Kagura smirked: "Y'know, you would be quite the ladykiller Yuji. You just have to stop scowling around the clock."
Chifuyu exhaled, then straightened: "You know what? Fine. If we're doing this, we're going all out."
Diego grinned: "Now that's what I'm talking about."
Kagura: "Excellent. Now, start roleplaying! Let's see what I'm working with."
Chifuyu and Diego looked at each other and cleared their throats before starting.
Chifuyu: "Diego, I want you to only have eyes for me."
Diego kabedoned Chifuyu and tilted up his chin with his hand: "You better not look anywhere else either."
Blood spurted from Kagura's nose as she falls backwards to the floor. Chifuyu and Diego then hold their mouths, trying not to break out into laughter.
Caesar: "My turn, my turn! Let's go, Chifuyu."
That was when Shinatsu stepped in: "I'm not even gonna ask what's going on."
Kagura: "Alright guys, this has to be perfect. So we'll take until Sunday to research and master the art of being a Host."
***
After everyone woke up, they crammed into the living room. Kagura set up a tablet on the table. Beatrice, Iris, Ariel, and Shinatsu sat behind them with popcorn like they were settling in for a movie.
Kagura typed, Top Shioto Host Clubs Video.
The first video opened with glitter, roses, and an intense saxophone solo. Lights flared. Perfectly styled men posed in slow motion. The air itself looked moisturized.
Yuji: "These guys are not real."
On-screen, a customer sat nervously: "Um, excuse me," she asked, "is Sora working today? I haven't seen him—"
A host leaned over, hair shimmering: "Never heard of him." He flipped his hair. "Am I supposed to care?"
The customer swooned.
Chifuyu and Diego collapsed onto the carpet.
Chifuyu wheezed, clutching his sides: "Hahahahahaha, this is gold."
Diego was crying: "Bro—bro, we need to aspire to be like him. He was so cold."
Caesar: "His delivery was impeccable though."
Shinatsu: "This is more cringe than a maid cafe."
Iris: "Hehe. That was kinda funny."
Diego: "It's such a joke even Iris is laughing."
Nicholas: "Okay. I think I understand. Rule one: be over-the-top cool."
Ariel: "I don't see the appeal."
Kagura: "Let's continue watching, there's plenty more to see."
***
They lined up in the cafe after hours. Kagura paced back and forth like a drill instructor: "Alright, listen up. Rule number one: Confidence. Rule number two: Charm. Rule number three:" She pointed at Diego. "You. Flirty type. No touching beyond high-fives and handshakes."
Diego gave a thumbs up: "Got it. Maximum charm, zero lawsuits."
Chifuyu: "That should be our motto."
Kagura pointed to Nicholas: "You're the gentle safe pick. Soft-spoken. Sweet. The guy they want to vent to about exams."
Nicholas: "I can… probably do that."
Kagura: "Caesar, you're the refined gentleman. The 'Your Highness' type."
Caesar: "I'll aim to please."
Kagura: "Yuji…"
Everyone waited.
Kagura: "You will be the cool edgy type, like Sasuke."
Yuji: "Want me to do my hair like his while I'm at it?"
Kagura: "You don't have to go that far."
Yuji: "I was being sarcastic."
Chifuyu: "Sure you were."
Yuji glares at Chifuyu.
Behind them, Iris whispered: "That… actually fits them really well…"
Chifuyu smirked: "Yeah, especially Yuji."
Yuji: "How about I bury you in the backyard?"
Kagura: "You can't, Chifuyu is the main appeal."
Yuji: "Tch."
Yuji looked over at Chifuyu, who then stuck his tongue out and shook his head in a mocking manner. Caesar held him before another fight broke out.
Kagura made them practice a Host's etiquette, pulling chairs out smoothly, pouring tea gracefully, greeting customers with smiles that didn't look like threats specifically for Yuji, leaning in and drawing appeal, and compliment delivery.
Kagura: "Try a compliment," she said, pointing at Diego.
He leaned forward in front of Ariel in a chair: "Your eyes are dangerous. I could drown in them."
Kagura: "Good. That's the kind of cringey one-liners that only work in Host Clubs. Next Caesar."
Caesar did the same to Ariel who sat with a plain smile on her face: "The way the light catches your hair suggests an artist has been following you."
Kagura: "Good, next."
Nicholas scratched his cheek: "Uh, I'd probably say something like, 'You look really good today. Did you try something different with your hair?'"
Kagura: "Nice, that's in character."
Yuji crossed his arms: "I'm not saying cheesy crap."
Kagura: "Give us something."
Yuji hesitated: "…I guess I'd say, 'Relax. I'm not here to charm you. I'm just the kind of guy you won't forget once you leave."
Kagura clapped: "Perfect."
Chifuyu and Diego start laughing. Even Beatrice cracks out a snicker.
Ariel: "Woah, Beatrice just laughed!"
Kagura: "No way."
Diego: "WHAAAAT?!"
***
Golden Festival Day 22
Sunday arrived, and the boys had thoroughly practiced their roles. By 3 p.m, the cafe didn't look like Odd Jobs anymore. Soft lights. White tablecloths. Vases with single flowers. Quiet music floating in the air. By midday, the cafe closed to the public and is now only open for those attending the Host Club.
The street was packed with high school girls and university students.
Chifuyu peeked through the curtain: "…There's so many," he muttered.
Diego bounced on his heels, dressed in a crisp dress shirt and vest: "It's showtime baby."
Nicholas fiddled with his tie: "I think my soul left my body 15 minutes ago."
Caesar adjusted his cuffs: "We got this, just like we practiced."
Yuji stood stiffly with a dark shirt and blazer.
From behind, Shinatsu patted his back: "You'll be fine."
Yuji: "No I won't."
Shinatsu: "If I can do a maid cafe, you can do this."
Yuji sighs.
Kagura: "Everyone ready?"
The five boys exchanged a look.
Diego: "Oh yeah."
Caesar: "Let us begin the spectacle."
The girls got ready in the kitchen, and Kagura opened the doors.
The girls filed in, hushed whispers and excited eyes filling the room. The lights dimmed slightly. From the back of the cafe, the five stepped out.
Diego led the line with a confident grin, hand resting casually in his pocket: "Welcome, gorgeous ladies. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence today. Allow us to make your visit unforgettable."
A group of girls near the front squealed.
"HE'S SO SMOOTH—"
Caesar gave a small, elegant bow: "Good afternoon. It's truly a pleasure to host you here. Please, allow me to escort you to your seats."
A girl whispered: "He's like royalty…"
Another replied: "I feel underdressed…"
Nicholas stepped forward, posture a little stiff, but smile gentle: "Th-Thank you for coming," he said, voice soft but clear. "We'll do our best to make sure you have a nice time today."
The girls near him visibly relaxed.
"I wanna go to his table."
"He looks so nervous, but it's refreshing."
Yuji had his hands in his pockets, looking away: "I'm only doing this because someone dragged me into it. Sit where you want. Just don't cause trouble."
There was a long silence, then explosive cheering filled the area.
"He's so my type!"
"He looks like an idol!"
"Please, serve me!"
Yuji visibly regretted existence.
Chifuyu stepped forward, exhaling: "H-Hey," he said, scratching his cheek. "Thanks for coming by Odd Jobs today. Um… I hope you'll enjoy yourselves."
A group of girls clutched their hearts collectively.
"He's the most normal, but I like him the most."
"I feel like I could actually talk to him."
"Hands off, we've liked Chifuyu way before you girls!"
Ariel peeked from the kitchen window: "He's still awkward, but he's winning at the same time."
Kagura: "Come on Chifuyu, tap into your full potential!"
The customers who were 100% female had been seated.
Diego went to his first table and leaned on his hand, smile relaxed: "So," he said, "what brings you all here? Escape from studying?"
One girl laughed: "Yeah, actually."
Diego: "Then you picked the right place. I specialize in making people forget about real life."
"Is that on your resume?" another asked.
Diego: "Thinking of putting it at the top."
The table giggled.
From across the room, Chifuyu muttered: "He's too good at this, it's scary."
Caesar poured tea with practiced elegance: "The aroma today is excellent," he said. "I recommend trying it without sugar first. It stands well on its own."
A girl watched him carefully: "Are you sure we're in a cafe and not a palace?"
Caesar gave a modest smile: "Odd Jobs is many things. Today, it's merely fortunate to have you lovely ladies as guests."
Another girl fanned herself as her face flushed red from Caesar's comment.
Nicholas sat with his hands around a teapot, focusing hard on not spilling: "So, um… are you all from nearby schools?"
"Yes," one said. "We've been here before. It was a while ago though, I don't think you were here yet."
"The food is always really good," another added.
Nicholas brightened: "Ah, I'm glad. Shinatsu and Beatrice are the best at cooking. I try not to get in their way when they're zoned in."
They laughed.
"You're doing great."
Nicholas flushed, smiling shyly. "Th-Thank you."
"Yuji, can you give us a smile?" a girl asked, hands clasped.
He looked at her flatly.
"If you want my smile, you have to earn it."
The table squealed.
One of them spoke meekly: "Um… Yuji… are you always this quiet?"
Yuji leaned in her direction slightly: "…Depends."
"On what?" another girl asked, leaning forward.
Yuji: "On whether the conversation's worth having."
Instead of being offended, the table collectively lit up.
"He's so cool…"
"That was like straight out of an anime."
"I love loner types.
Yuji clicked his tongue softly and looked at the shy girl: "If you're nervous, stop staring so hard. It's distracting."
"S-sorry!"
Yuji: "Don't apologize, I like confident women."
Their hearts practically exploded.
"So," the first girl tried again, smiling, "what do you like to do?"
Yuji: "Train. Read."
"Is there anything you like about me?"
He met her eyes, unwavering: "If you're looking for someone who'll flatter you nonstop, you're at the wrong table."
The girls exchanged glances.
Then one of them smiled wider than before: "That's okay. We like this table."
Yuji looked away again: "Suit yourselves."
They all giggled.
Across the room, Chifuyu whispered: "How is that working for him?"
Diego shrugged: "Some people just have it."
Chifuyu went to his table with three girls who looked far too amused.
"So, Chifuyu," one of them asked, "what kind of girl do you like?"
Chifuyu: "W-Why is that the starter question?"
"We're just curious," another said innocently.
Chifuyu: "I—uh—someone who's… kind? And… tries hard? And, uh… maybe someone who doesn't make me answer this question in public…"
They laughed.
"You're cute," one of them said.
Chifuyu: "Enough about me, let's get started with your orders.
***
By the time the Host Club had been running for a couple of hours, the cafe had reached a strange equilibrium, half romantic fantasy, half absolute chaos.
The air was warm with perfume, tea steam, and quiet squeals. Tables were full, chairs pulled closer than strictly necessary, and when the bell above the door rang, another group of eager girls walked in.
Chifuyu wiped his hands on his apron and glanced around, heart still racing despite having settled into the rhythm. He'd stopped tripping over his words, which felt like a personal victory. Across the room, Diego was leaning casually against a table, laughing easily as he listened to a group of girls talk over each other.
Yuji stood with his arms crossed, posture relaxed in a way that screamed don't talk to me which, inexplicably, only made girls want to talk to him more. Nicholas was doing well too. He looked less terrified now, smiling softly as he poured tea, occasionally nodding along as if he were genuinely invested in every story he heard. Caesar remained composed as ever and was doing consistently well.
Kagura clapped her hands from behind the counter: "Alright! Special event time!" The chatter died down just enough for people to listen. "To keep things exciting," she continued, far too pleased with herself, "we'll be doing a short performance for everyone!"
The girls leaned forward instantly.
Chifuyu: "Here we go."
Diego: "Here goes nothing."
The café went quiet.
Diego leaned in, lowering his voice just enough for the room to hear: "You promised you'd stay by my side… even if the world turned against us."
Chifuyu: "I never said it would be easy. But I won't let go. Not now."
The reaction was immediate.
Gasps.
Hands over mouths.
Someone audibly whispered, "Oh my god."
Diego reached up, gripping the front of Chifuyu's vest: "Then say it. Say you're mine."
Chifuyu: "If I don't… you'll disappear again, won't you?"
Diego: "You really are cruel."
They stood there for a beat too long.
The cafe exploded.
All the girls cheered. Someone slammed the table. Kagura was giving a grand applause.
Chifuyu and Diego went to the back and broke apart immediately, both laughing in disbelief.
Chifuyu: "I can't believe we just did that."
Diego wiped a tear from his eye: "Worth it."
Iris: "I got it all on video."
Chifuyu and Diego straightened and spoke with a serious tone: "Delete it."
By night, the last round of customers was preparing to leave. The five hosts lined up by the door. Diego offered parting handshakes and playful winks. Caesar bowed, thanking each group for coming. Nicholas waved, a little tired but smiling warmly. Chifuyu gave a warm farewell. Yuji just crossed his arms and muttered: "…Come back if you feel like it."
"That's his version of please," a girl whispered.
When the doors finally closed, the boys collapsed onto the nearest seats.
Chifuyu flopped into a chair with his tie loosened and hair slightly messy: "I do not want to do that again."
Nicholas pressed a hand to his chest: "My heart was beating so fast, but it was kind of fun."
Caesar straightened his tie: "I can see why people pay for this sort of thing. It's a form of art."
Diego: "If nobody else wants to, I can do this again solo.
Yuji said nothing and just stared at the ceiling.
Shinatsu walked by, arms crossed: "You survived."
Yuji: "So it would seem."
Kagura walked out from behind the counter, hands on her hips, proud smile on her face: "Gentlemen, you guys killed it."
Ariel peeked from the back: "You should've seen the comment section on our live. People already want a second one."
Chifuyu: "You guys did a live?!"
Nicholas: "Guess I'm not going on Shiogram for a while. I do not want to see clips of myself."
Diego: "I wanna see all of mine."
The atmosphere was light. Easy. The kind of tired that came after a good day.
Then the door's bell rang.
It wasn't loud. It wasn't dramatic. Just a soft chime, the way it always sounded.
But for some reason, everyone felt it.
Heads turned automatically.
A man stepped in.
He was tall and broad-shouldered but not bulky, with a relaxed posture that made the air feel like it bent around him instead of the other way around. His coat, dark and worn in all the right ways, carried the unmistakable insignia of a Special Rank Hunter. His hair was short and slightly wavy, streaked with some gray at the temples in a way that only made him look more distinguished.
His eyes were sharp. The kind of sharp that came from countless battles, countless nights spent on the edge of life and death.
He hadn't even spoken and Chifuyu already knew. This man was on a different level.
Kagura blinked, the recognition hitting almost instantly: ""…Wait," she murmured. "Is that—"
Caesar: "I'll be damned."
Nicholas straightened instinctively.
Even Yuji's eyes narrowed.
They all recognized the insignia. But more than that, his face was familiar. Not in a personal way, but in a seen-on-broadcasts, front-page-of-hunter-news kind of way.
Lloyd.
In his prime, he'd been the name. The Hunter everyone compared themselves to. The one who had previously held the title of strongest before Shoyo pulled ahead and never looked back.
A living legend had just walked into Odd Jobs.
Kagura's voice came out small: "Um—welcome to Odd Jobs…"
The man smiled softly, as if he hadn't just tilted the entire room on its axis: "Cute place," he said, glancing around. "You all had a busy day?"
Chifuyu suddenly realized something. He had seen this man before. Not just on a screen. In an old photo Diego once showed them. The resemblance clicked. His head snapped toward Diego. He was no longer leaning back in the booth. He was sitting upright, shoulders rigid, hand clenched on his knee. His expression had gone from smug and tired to something else.
"…Hey," the man said, eyes landing on him. His smile curved in a familiar, easy way. "Long time no see, kid."
Diego's jaw clenched: "Dad."
Kagura: "What?! He's your father Diego?!"
The room shifted.
Tension slid in like fog.
Chifuyu had seen Diego annoyed plenty of times. But he had never seen him like this. Lloyd walked in further, hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. Everything about him screamed relaxed, charismatic, used to attention. He looked at the others with the easy charm of someone who'd dealt with fans his entire career.
Lloyd: "So this is where you've been hiding, huh?" He said, giving the cafe another once-over. "Odd Jobs. I heard a bit about this place."
Diego folded his arms, expression still unreadable: "If you heard, why bother coming all the way here?"
Lloyd's smile didn't quite falter: "Can't I drop in to see my son?"
The word hung in the air, heavy. No one responded. Caesar glanced at Chifuyu. Chifuyu looked at Shinatsu. Shinatsu's eyes never left Diego.
Diego let out a quiet breath through his nose: "You can, but you usually don't."
Lloyd: "Things are complicated. You know how it is in our line of work. You wouldn't believe how surprised I was when I found out you became a Hunter."
Diego: "Yeah, I know. You've always been really good at making things complicated."
Kagura shifted, tension creeping up her shoulders. She forced a smile, trying to bridge the atmosphere: "Um—Mr. Lloyd, sir, welcome. I'm Kagura, one of the founders here. We're honored—"
Lloyd nodded pleasantly: "Kagura. Yeah, I've heard your name too. Is Ina around?"
Kagura: "Uh, not at the moment, no."
Diego's posture anchored the room.
Lloyd looked at the rest of them with a warm half-smile: "Nice to see the whole crew." He glares at Ariel for a second, but ignores her and looks toward, "You must be Chifuyu. I've heard a lot about you."
Chifuyu: "Haha, is that so.."
Diego: "Why are you here, Dad?" He asked, cutting through the surface-level pleasantries. His tone wasn't loud. It wasn't even harsh. Just tired.
Lloyd: "I told you," he replied, turning back to him. "Checking up on you. I read the report on the Augustus Mansion Raid and you did well. You're my son alright."
Ariel folded her arms behind the counter, lips pressed together. Iris watched quietly with her, eyes wide, sensing danger without fully understanding it. Beatrice's gaze was steady, studying him. Nicholas shifted uncomfortably. Shinatsu watched every microexpression on Diego's face.
Diego let out a humorless laugh: "You say that like you've been checking up this whole time."
Lloyd's easy aura faltered a millisecond longer this time: "Diego—"
Diego: "You don't get to just appear out of nowhere." His voice wasn't raised, but it cut through the cafe. "You disappear for years. And now you walk in here like we're—what? Going to pick up where we left off?"
Lloyd's hands slipped further into his pockets: "I'm still your father," he said.
Diego: "Yeah, until you weren't."
The silence was so heavy that not even Kagura tried to lift it. Chifuyu wasn't sure if he wanted to jump in or stay completely still. It wasn't his place, but it was Diego. He'd never seen his friend look so guarded.
Lloyd exhaled through his nose, gaze drifting around the cafe again: "Don't be so dramatic. Look, I'm not here to argue. I just wanted to see you. You've grown a lot. You look good. Stronger."
Diego's eyes cooled further: "I would've preferred a little heads up."
Something sour simmered under the lightness in Lloyd's expression, but he didn't let it show fully: "I know I made mistakes. I let my job take over my life. I didn't handle things right with your mother. But I never stopped—"
Diego stopped him: "Don't
The word cut him off clean.
Lloyd's mouth closed.
Diego: "Don't say a single word about her. You weren't there. You chose every other thing over us. Especially women."
A brief flicker went through Lloyd's eyes. Regret? Annoyance? It was hard to tell: "I'm not here to fight," he repeated. "Believe it or not, I thought you'd be happier to see me."
Diego laughed once, sharp and short: "You thought wrong."
Lloyd: "…I see. You're upset. That's fair. You have every right." He looked toward Kagura, then Chifuyu, Shinatsu, the rest. "You're in good company," he added. "That's… something."
There was a genuine note in his voice there. Something small and fragile.
Diego's expression didn't shift.
Lloyd took a step back toward the door: "I won't keep you," he said. "You all look exhausted from… whatever this is."
Kagura: "Host Club."
Lloyd huffed a quiet laugh. He turned his attention back to Diego one last time: "I'll be around in District 4 for a bit. If you ever want to talk. Or yell. Or punch me in the face. I won't dodge."
Diego didn't answer.
Lloyd gave a little two-finger salute: "You're doing good work. Even if you don't want to hear that from me."
Then he stepped out.
The door shut.
The bell chimed.
And he was gone.
The silence that followed felt heavier than when he'd entered.
Iris let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Chifuyu looked at Diego. His friend was staring at the floor, fists clenched at his sides, shoulders still rigid: "Diego…"
Diego: "I'm fine."
He didn't sound fine.
Shinatsu's gaze lowered slightly. She recognized that tone. The one people used when they were trying to keep the cracks from showing.
Kagura: "If you want us to kick him out next time, we can."
Diego: "He's a Special Rank Hunter. You can't just kick him out. It's okay."
Chifuyu slid into the booth across from him: "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. But if you… do…"
Diego leaned back, head tipping against the booth cushion. For a moment, he didn't say anything. Then he exhaled, the tension leaving him only slightly: "As you all just found out, my dad is a Special Rank Hunter. He's a better legend than he is a father."
No one interrupted.
Diego: "My mom is the one who actually raised me. He was there sometimes. When it was convenient. When he wasn't chasing vampires or… other women. It's not like I didn't admire him," he said, eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I mean, come on. He's strong. He has charisma. He's out there actually saving people. As a Hunter, he's someone to look up to. As a dad…" He trailed off, then snorted. "Let's just say I stopped waiting for him a long time ago."
Chifuyu frowned quietly: "You never mentioned—"
Diego cut in: "Yeah, I didn't really want to." He let his head lull to the side, eyes half-lidded. "And my mom…" he started, then hesitated. Something about this part seemed harder to say. "She's not just… anyone either."
Shinatsu's eyes narrowed slightly.
Diego glanced in her direction: "You're not the only one who has issues with the Ayase family. My mom was an Ayase too."
The room reacted in stages.
Kagura: "What?!"
Nicholas: "You're from one of the Big 3 families too??"
Diego: "Technically, yeah. I don't even use my dad's last name, Pegula is my grandad's."
Shinatsu: "So exactly what kind of issues do you have with them?"
Diego: "When I was a kid, my dad and I went to their estate a whole lot. They don't know I'm actually one of them, and let's just say I got to see what kind of assholes they all actually are."
Shinatsu hadn't expected one of Odd Jobs' to be tangled in that same web: "If you kept that hidden even after seeing Sophia, you must've really wanted to keep that a secret."
Diego: "Yeah, Odd Jobs is a place I can now call my home. I didn't want to drag that baggage in here."
Kagura frowned: "Diego…"
Shinatsu: "I agree with you completely."
Chifuyu leaned forward, elbows on the table: "For what it's worth, I don't care if your dad's a legend or a total failure. You're you. That's enough."
Diego: "Thanks."
Ariel hopped up onto the table: "If he ever shows up trying to act like the cool dad again, I'll send him packing."
Diego: "I would love to see that."
Caesar: "Family can be hard to deal with, so that's what friends are for."
Iris: "Y-yeah. We have each other, since when things get tough, it won't be as bad."
Kagura: "Well said, guys."
Diego closed his eyes for a brief second. When he opened them again, the tension in his shoulders had loosened just a bit: "Well, that's my dramatic backstory. Congratulations, you've unlocked Diego DLC: Daddy Issues Edition."
Kagura grimaced: "Don't ever call it that again."
Shinatsu: "Agreed."
Diego: "Sorry."
Beatrice walked over and put a hand on his shoulder: "You don't owe anyone warmth just because they share your blood. The man you are now wasn't shaped by his absence. It was shaped by what you endured."
"Diego: "Nova…"
Yuji: "She's right. Shared blood doesn't mean family if there's no shared bonds."
That hit Diego hard.
Inside Odd Jobs, the air was still heavy.
But it was a shared weight now.