"Oh, the kid still has a temper."
"Alright, I believe you, Stan. I'll look into it when I get back."
Tony chuckled, assuring Hayashi he wasn't angry when Hayashi pulled his hand away.
Hearing Tony's words, Hayashi's spirits lifted. That warm feeling of being trusted was a rare joy.
Tony crossed his arms, fixing Hayashi with a serious look. "Listen, kid, this is grown-up business—none of your concern. I'll investigate if there's something off with Stan. For now, just focus on keeping yourself safe. Got it, Hayashi?"
"Got it, Tony."
"What on earth are you two talking about? Stan and terrorists? Does Stan have anything to do with them?"
"By the way, Tony, Stan's been acting unstable these past three months since you disappeared. He's been cozying up to other shareholders. Something's definitely up. You should keep an eye on him."
Pepper spoke seriously.
"Oh, really? Seems Obadiah's been busy while I was away. Pepper, prepare a detailed report on the past three months for me tomorrow. Some of these people are unreliable and need reining in. After all, this company carries the Stark name."
At Pepper's words, Tony's eyes sharpened. "I expect your report tomorrow."
Pepper smiled, pleased. Tony had never cared much about Stark Industries before, usually leaving it to her. But in the past three months, he'd clearly changed.
After dinner, Pepper returned home. Tony invited her to stay, but she declined—she wanted to prepare that report.
From the reluctant look on Pepper's face as she left, Hayashi could tell she still wanted to stay—probably because she felt awkward leaving with Hayashi around.
Tony told Happy to escort Pepper home first, then bring Hayashi and himself back. By the time they got home, it was already 11 p.m.
Tony asked Hayashi to pick a room to stay in before heading to his own for some much-needed rest. He was tired after a long day.
After choosing his room, Hayashi took a shower, put on pajamas, and crawled into bed. Though not physically exhausted, his mind was drained.
The next morning, when Hayashi stepped out, he found Tony already at work, tinkering with some steel armor.
"Morning, Tony."
"Ugh, I'm still so sleepy." Tony yawned deeply.
Hayashi greeted him drowsily—and noticed Tony was staring at him with a strange expression.
Seeing that look, Hayashi suddenly snapped to attention.
"Hey kid, I get it—there's no one else in the family except me, but you really need to watch your image. You're pretty cute like this, but I don't do 'little ones.' Didn't you say you're a boy? I almost thought you were a girl."
Tony pointed at Hayashi, grinning.
At Tony's comment, Hayashi realized what was wrong. After his shower last night, he'd put on the cat-themed pajamas Pepper had insisted on buying. Because he hadn't tried them on, they were a little too big.
One shoulder slipped down, exposing half of it. His hair was messy from sleep. Combined with his delicate features and just-woken-up look, it was enough to spark some serious admiration.
Realizing how he must appear, Hayashi hurried back to his room, closed the door, and shouted defiantly, "I'm a guy! Don't get the wrong idea! It was just an accident. If you dare think otherwise, I'll tell Pepper on you!"
Still wary of Tony's reputation, Hayashi was worried what the notorious playboy might think.
Tony called back calmly, "Not interested in underage boys, even if you're handsome."
Watching Hayashi dash off, Tony smiled helplessly and went back to his armor research.
Inside his room, Hayashi blushed furiously and flopped onto the bed.
"What am I going to do? If I'm seen like this, I'll never live it down outside. What should I do, great sage?"
"Don't worry at all. Given Tony Stark's personality, he'll definitely just laugh at you. So give up the struggle."
"Ugh, this is so frustrating!" Hayashi groaned, burying his head in the pillow, deciding to calm down first.
................
"Hey, Tony."
An hour later, Hayashi resolved to face reality.
"Finally decided to show up, kid? Come eat—breakfast just arrived from the hotel, still hot."
Tony called out.
"Wow, this looks amazing! Tony, do you usually eat like this?"
Hayashi's eyes lit up seeing the spread before him, mouth watering. Though slimes don't feel hunger, Hayashi's human form did—and he loved food. This was a real treat.
"Tony never ate like this before—he used to eat whatever and often skipped meals. Must be because you're here now. He really doesn't take care of himself."
A familiar voice answered Hayashi's question.
Looking up, both Hayashi and Tony greeted Pepper as she entered.
"Good morning, Pepper," they said in unison.
"Have you eaten? Let's eat together."
Tony and Hayashi said simultaneously—and then stared at each other, surprised.
"Why are you copying me?" "Why are you copying me?"
"Haha, you two…"
The way they looked at each other made Pepper burst out laughing.
"You two look like father and son."
"Who looks like father and son?" "Who, me?"
"Humph." "Humph."
The same words again, followed by both folding their arms, turning away, and snorting (not so little princess anymore).
"Haha, you two are impossible."
Unable to hold back, Pepper sat on a stool, clutching her stomach with laughter.
Once Pepper settled down, she noticed the pair still holding their postures, ignoring each other.
"Okay, enough awkwardness—come eat or the food's going to get cold."
Pepper's words broke the tension. Hayashi and Tony relaxed, grabbed their forks, and began eating—each squinting at the other, trying to make sure the other didn't finish first.
Watching their playful stubbornness, Pepper was genuinely delighted.
She felt reassured seeing Tony like this. Before, he often skipped meals and neglected his health, worrying her constantly about his sudden collapse.
Now, with Hayashi's arrival, Tony had changed—he was eating properly and taking care of himself.
Hayashi's presence had truly transformed Tony, making him more careful and mindful.
"Maybe we should talk to Tony about adopting Hayashi," Pepper said warmly, looking at Hayashi devouring his food with adorable focus.
While Hayashi was still happily demolishing his breakfast, Tony finished eating and looked at him with affectionate eyes.
He and Pepper exchanged a knowing smile, wordlessly sharing their happiness.