The next world.

The school day had dragged on longer than I thought possible. Between trying to adjust to this world and sitting through lectures about things I didn't understand, I was ready to call it a day. But of course, trouble seemed to follow me.

"Kaerith," Mr. Hiro said, standing at the front of the classroom as the final bell rang, "stay back. We need to have a chat."

I slouched in my seat, rolling my eyes. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," he said, his tone calm but firm. "And bring your notebook. You're going to help me clean the room while we talk."

Ren and Xolotl glanced back at me as they grabbed their bags. Ren shot me a smirk. "Good luck, man. Try not to get yourself expelled."

"Shut up," I muttered, watching them leave before turning my attention back to Hiro.

The classroom was empty now, except for me and him. The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the room. Hiro leaned against his desk, arms crossed, watching me with an expression that was hard to read.

"Alright, Kaerith," he started, "do you know why you're here?"

"Because you're bored and wanted company?" I shot back, dragging my chair toward the front of the room.

He smirked slightly. "Not quite. You've got a lot of energy, and I can see you're smart, but you're channeling it in all the wrong ways. Disrupting class, making jokes, not paying attention—what's going on?"

I shrugged, looking away. "Maybe I just don't care."

"Or maybe you're scared."

That caught me off guard. My eyes snapped back to him, narrowing. "Scared? Of what?"

"Of not measuring up," he said simply. "You've got a chip on your shoulder, Kaerith. I've seen it before. People who act out because they feel like they have something to prove."

I stood up, fists clenched. "You don't know anything about me."

"You're right," he said, his voice calm. "I don't. But I do know what it feels like to be a kid trying to fight the whole world. To act like you don't care because it's easier than admitting you're overwhelmed."

I froze, his words hitting closer to home than I wanted to admit.

He stepped forward, his tone softer now. "You're not alone, Kaerith. Whatever you're going through, you don't have to carry it by yourself. But you've got to stop pushing people away."

I sat back down, avoiding his gaze. "You sound like you've been through it or something."

He chuckled, leaning against the desk again. "More than you know. I wasn't always the hero everyone talks about. I made a lot of mistakes when I was younger. Hurt a lot of people. It took me a long time to figure out who I wanted to be. But I had someone who didn't give up on me, even when I tried to push them away."

"Who?" I asked, despite myself.

He smiled faintly, his eyes distant. "My mentor. He saw potential in me when I couldn't see it in myself. He didn't just teach me how to fight or save people—he taught me how to believe in myself."

I stayed quiet for a moment, letting his words sink in.

"So what, you think you're my mentor now?" I asked, my tone half-sarcastic.

"Maybe," he said with a shrug. "If you'll let me be."

The next hour was surprisingly… not terrible. He handed me a broom, and we cleaned the classroom together while talking about random stuff.

"So, what's the deal with your powers?" he asked, sweeping up a pile of dust.

"Why do you care?"

"Because I'm curious. And because I think you've got more potential than you realize."

I hesitated before answering. "It's… complicated. I don't fully get it myself. Sometimes it feels like I'm in control, and other times it feels like my powers have a mind of their own."

He nodded, like he understood exactly what I meant. "It's normal to feel that way. Powers can be tricky, especially when you're young. But the key is to stay patient and keep working at it. You'll get there."

I leaned against the broom, glancing at him. "You really believe that?"

"Absolutely," he said without hesitation. "You've got the spark, Kaerith. I see it every time you talk, every time you walk into a room. You just need to believe in yourself as much as I do."

His words caught me off guard again. I didn't know what to say, so I just nodded and went back to sweeping.

By the time we finished cleaning, the sun had started to set, casting the room in a warm golden light. Hiro leaned against the desk, watching me with a small smile.

"Thanks for helping out," he said.

"Yeah, well, you made me," I muttered, but there was no real bite in my tone.

"Hey, Kaerith," he said as I grabbed my bag, "I'm serious about what I said earlier. You've got potential. Don't waste it, alright?"

I looked at him, his words lingering in the air. For the first time, I saw him not as the legendary hero everyone worshipped, but as a person who actually cared.

"Alright," I said quietly, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

As I walked out of the classroom, I couldn't help but feel like something had shifted. Maybe Hiro wasn't just some washed-up hero pretending to be a teacher. Maybe he was exactly what I needed.

As Mr. Hiro invited Kaerith to his home, he casually explained that his wives were all exceptional heroes who played key roles in protecting the world.

Kaerith was stunned.

"You've got thirty one wives?!" he exclaimed, incredulous.

"Hey," Hiro replied, smirking. "When you save the world as many times as I have, you make a lot of… connections."

Kaerith groaned. "Man, now I see why everyone keeps calling you 'the GOAT'."

"Well, kid," Hiro said with a wink, "if you stick around long enough, maybe you'll pick up some tips. Let's head home—dinner's going to be amazing."

As Kaerith followed Hiro out of the classroom and through the academy halls, he tried to process everything he had just learned. It wasn't every day you discovered your homeroom teacher was not only the world's former number one hero but also had thirty-one wives.

Hiro walked with a casual confidence, hands in his pockets, his long black hair swaying with each step. "You've been pretty quiet back there, Kaerith. Cat got your tongue?"

Kaerith scoffed. "Nah, just trying to figure out how the hell you're balancing thirty-one wives. Like, is that even legal? And who's this thirty-first wife anyway? You didn't mention her earlier."

Hiro stopped mid-step and turned to face Kaerith with a sly grin. "Ah, Kamiko. She's… special."

"Special how?" Kaerith raised an eyebrow.

Hiro smirked and started walking again. "You'll see."

When they arrived at Hiro's house—a massive, sprawling estate that looked more like a palace—Kaerith's jaw practically hit the floor. The place was immaculate, with a blend of traditional architecture and modern design.

"This is where you live?" Kaerith asked, still in disbelief.

"Home sweet home," Hiro said nonchalantly, opening the grand doors. "Come on in."

The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by one of Hiro's wives—Tsutsumi Kamiko. She walked gracefully toward them, her long white hair with a faint purple hue catching the light. Her piercing blue eyes, with pupils resembling the Adam symbol, seemed to see right through Kaerith. She was wearing a crisp, pristine nurse's uniform, her demeanor calm and nurturing.

"Welcome home, Hiro," Kamiko said softly, her voice carrying an almost melodic quality. She then turned her gaze to Kaerith and smiled warmly. "And you must be Kaerith. Hiro told me about you."

Kaerith blinked, feeling a little flustered under her intense gaze. "Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you."

Kamiko chuckled softly and turned back to Hiro. "Dinner will be ready in an hour. The others are waiting in the dining hall."

"Perfect," Hiro said. "Thanks, Kamiko. Mind showing Kaerith around while I check in with the rest?"

"Of course," Kamiko replied with a gentle nod.

As Hiro disappeared down one of the many hallways, Kamiko led Kaerith through the estate, pointing out various rooms and sharing small anecdotes about the family.

"This place is insane," Kaerith muttered, looking around.

"It can be a little overwhelming at first," Kamiko admitted, her tone kind. "But it's home. And with so many of us, it's never boring."

"So… how does someone end up as wife number thirty-one?" Kaerith asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Kamiko paused, then smiled softly. "Hiro and I met at the academy, back when I was just starting as a nurse. He saved me during a mission gone wrong—a villain with a devastating meta-ability nearly wiped out the team I was assigned to support. Hiro risked everything to protect us. After that… well, I guess you could say I fell for him."

Kaerith nodded slowly, his respect for Hiro growing by the minute. "Guess he really is the GOAT, huh?"

Kamiko chuckled. "He has his flaws, like anyone else. But he's a good man. And he sees potential in you, Kaerith. Don't take that lightly."

Kaerith looked at her, surprised. "He does?"

Kamiko nodded. "He wouldn't have brought you here if he didn't. Now, let's head to the dining hall. You're about to meet the rest of the family."

The dining hall was a sight to behold—long tables filled with exquisite dishes, and around those tables sat Hiro's wives, each one as stunning and unique as the last. They greeted Kaerith warmly, some teasing Hiro for bringing home "a new recruit."

Kaerith couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and intimidation as he sat down. But as the night went on, he found himself relaxing, enjoying the lively banter and warm atmosphere.

By the end of the evening, as Kamiko showed him to a guest room, Kaerith couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of belonging. And maybe, just maybe, Hiro was right—there was potential in him, waiting to be unlocked.

Tomorrow, he'd start figuring out how to live up to it.

The house was quiet as the night deepened, the lively conversations from dinner fading into memory. Kaerith found himself wandering the hallways, trying to process everything he'd learned about Hiro and his seemingly infinite family. He wasn't used to this kind of environment—warm, welcoming, and full of people who genuinely cared for each other. It was… nice, but also overwhelming.

As he walked, he spotted someone sitting alone on the balcony at the far end of the hall. It was Emishra Petrova, Hiro's first wife. The moonlight reflected off her short, snow-white hair, and her purple eyes shimmered as she gazed out at the sprawling garden below. She had an air of calmness around her, but also strength—like someone who had faced countless battles and come out on top.

"You're up late," Kaerith said as he stepped onto the balcony.

Emishra turned to look at him, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Could say the same to you, kid. Trouble sleeping?"

Kaerith shrugged, leaning on the balcony railing beside her. "Something like that. Too much on my mind, I guess."

They sat in silence for a moment before Emishra spoke again. "You remind me of Hiro when he was younger."

Kaerith glanced at her, surprised. "I do?"

She nodded, her smirk turning into a fond smile. "The way you carry yourself, the fire in your eyes… but I'll admit, you're better looking."

Kaerith blinked, unsure how to respond. "Uh… thanks?"

Emishra chuckled. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. But you do have something about you. That spark. Hiro had it too, back when we were just kids."

Curiosity got the better of Kaerith. "What was he like back then?"

Emishra leaned against the railing, her expression turning nostalgic. "We grew up together in the same neighborhood. Back then, I was… well, let's just say I wasn't exactly friendly." She smirked, her tone teasing but with a hint of pride. "I was brash, competitive, always trying to outdo him. And Hiro? He was this annoyingly kind, determined idiot who never gave up, no matter how many times I knocked him down."

Kaerith couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds familiar."

Emishra nodded. "We were rivals for the longest time, always pushing each other to be better. But somewhere along the way, things changed. I started to see him differently. He wasn't just my rival anymore. He was… someone I admired. Someone I trusted."

She paused, her smile fading slightly. "Then came the Oblivion Event."

Kaerith tilted his head. "What's that?"

Her expression grew somber. "It was a disaster—one of the worst crises our world had ever faced. Hiro disappeared during it. For two years, I didn't know if he was alive or dead. It was… hard. I missed him more than I thought I would."

Kaerith stayed silent, letting her continue.

"When he came back, he was different. Stronger, wiser, but also burdened. We reconnected, and somehow, despite everything, we found our way to each other. He's always been my anchor, even when I didn't realize I needed one."

Kaerith nodded slowly, taking in her story. "Sounds like you two have been through a lot."

Emishra smiled softly. "We have. But it's made us stronger." She glanced at him. "What about you, Kaerith? Any stories to share?"

Kaerith hesitated before asking, "Have you guys ever thought about having kids? I mean, I didn't see any running around tonight."

Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and she looked away, flustered. "Well… yes, of course. It's something we've talked about. But with Hiro's responsibilities and everything else, it hasn't happened yet."

Kaerith nodded, then, almost without thinking, admitted, "I've got a few kids."

Emishra's eyes widened, and she turned to him in shock. "Wait… what? How old are you?"

"Seventeen," Kaerith confessed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Emishra stared at him, her mouth slightly open. "You're seventeen and you already have kids? How?"

Kaerith shrugged, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "I guess I was a bit of a player."

For a moment, Emishra was silent, processing his words. Then she let out a laugh—genuine and full of amusement. "You're something else, kid."

Kaerith chuckled, relieved that she wasn't judging him too harshly. "Yeah, I get that a lot."

As the laughter died down, Emishra gave him a knowing look. "You've got a lot of potential, Kaerith. Don't waste it."

"I'll try not to," he replied, feeling a newfound respect for the woman sitting beside him.

And as the night went on, Kaerith realized that, for the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged.

Tsutsumi's quiet, hesitant demeanor as she fiddled with the hem of her coat.

"Mind if i join you?" Tsutsumi asked, "Uh, sure," Kaerith replied, slightly startled.

Tsutsumi gave him a small, nervous smile as she perched on the edge of the bed next to him. "We thought you might want some company."

Emishra leaned back, crossing her legs. "And maybe a little insight into our dear Hiro. Bet you're curious how someone like him ended up with thirty-one wives, huh?"

Kaerith chuckled. "You could say that."

Emishra nudged Tsutsumi with her foot. "Go on, Kamiko. You tell him first."

Tsutsumi's cheeks flushed, and she quickly waved her hands. "W-why me? You're better at this sort of thing!"

Emishra rolled her eyes. "Because your story is cuter, that's why. Now, spill."

Tsutsumi sighed, her ears twitching slightly as she looked at Kaerith. "Well… Hiro and I grew up together. He was always so… larger-than-life, you know? Loud, confident, always jumping into things without thinking. I wasn't sure if I admired him or wanted to throttle him most of the time."

Emishra snorted. "Classic Hiro."

Tsutsumi continued, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Back then, I didn't want to be a hero. I was too scared of the idea of being in the spotlight, of putting myself out there. But Hiro… he made it seem like it was the only thing that mattered. He used to pick out all my outfits for me because I couldn't decide what to wear, and—" She paused, her blush deepening. "He was really good at it. People would always compliment me, but I never told them it was Hiro's doing."

Kaerith raised an eyebrow. "He picked out your clothes?"

She nodded. "He has a surprisingly good sense of style. Even now, he sometimes points out things I should wear." She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "He used to announce everything for me—what I was thinking, what I wanted, even when I didn't ask him to. I think he just wanted to make sure I felt included."

"He still does that," Emishra said, smirking. "Drives everyone crazy."

Tsutsumi gave a shy laugh. "Yeah, it's one of those things he never grew out of. But… it's also one of the reasons I fell for him. He always made me feel seen, even when I tried to hide."

She paused, her expression softening. "I had to convince him to let me become a hero. He didn't want me to get hurt. But I couldn't stand the thought of being left behind. So we trained together—just the two of us. He was always miles ahead of me, but he never made me feel small."

Kaerith nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "Sounds like he really cares about you."

Tsutsumi's ears twitched again, and she looked down, her blush returning. "He does. But don't tell him I said that. He'd never let me live it down."

Emishra chuckled, her arms crossed. "Kamiko's too modest to admit it, but she was one of the only people who could keep up with Hiro back in the day. Their training sessions were legendary."

Kaerith grinned. "I believe it."

The next morning came quickly. The sun poured into the guest room Kaerith had been staying in, casting golden streaks across the hardwood floors. He groaned, blinking sleepily as he sat up. The previous night had been… an experience, to say the least. Between Hiro's endless stories, Emishra's teasing, and Tsutsumi's gentle insights, Kaerith felt like he'd been pulled into a whirlwind.

He stretched, tossing the blanket aside and slipping on his jacket. The mansion was eerily quiet compared to the lively energy it had the night before. Kaerith crept down the hallway, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet, until he found the kitchen.

To his surprise, Emishra was already there, leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in hand. Her white hair glowed in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and she looked up when she noticed him.

"Morning, kid," she greeted with a smirk. "Sleep alright?"

"Yeah, I guess," Kaerith replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Where's everyone else?"

"Most of them are still asleep," she said, taking a sip of her coffee. "Tsutsumi's probably out in the garden already, though. She likes her peace and quiet in the mornings."

Kaerith raised an eyebrow. "And Hiro?"

Emishra snorted. "Still snoring like a bear, as usual. He'll be up soon, though. The man can't go long without eating."

Kaerith chuckled, grabbing a glass of water and leaning against the counter next to her. For a moment, they stood in silence, watching the sunlight dance on the polished surfaces of the kitchen.

"You're a good kid," Emishra said suddenly, breaking the quiet. Kaerith turned to her, surprised. "You remind me of Hiro when he was your age. Stubborn, a little reckless, but with a good heart. Just… don't let it go to waste, alright?"

Kaerith nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "I won't."

Before the conversation could continue, the sound of loud footsteps echoed down the hallway. Hiro appeared, his black hair a mess and his dark eyes half-lidded with sleep. He yawned loudly, scratching the back of his head.

"Morning," he greeted lazily, shuffling over to the fridge. "You're up early, Kael. Could've slept in, you know."

"I figured I'd start the day," Kaerith replied with a shrug. "You don't strike me as the type to sleep till noon."

Hiro smirked, pulling out a carton of milk and chugging it straight from the container. "Fair enough. So, ready for another day of learning how amazing I am?"

Emishra rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, Hiro."

"Too late," he shot back with a grin, tossing the empty carton into the trash. "C'mon, Kael. Let's get some breakfast in you. You'll need the energy for today."

Kaerith followed Hiro out to the dining room, where a few of the wives were beginning to gather. Tsutsumi was there, her soft, purple-tinted white hair glinting in the morning light as she set the table. She looked up and smiled at Kaerith, her ears twitching slightly.

"Good morning," she said warmly. "I hope you're hungry. Hiro insisted on making breakfast today."

Kaerith blinked. "Hiro can cook?"

"Barely," Emishra muttered as she took a seat. "But he tries."

As Hiro disappeared into the kitchen, Kaerith sat down across from Tsutsumi. She handed him a cup of tea, her movements graceful and practiced.

"Thank you," he said, taking a sip.

"You're welcome," she replied, her voice soft. "Did you enjoy last night?"

Kaerith nodded. "Yeah, I did. It was… nice. Different, but nice."

Tsutsumi smiled, her expression kind. "I'm glad. You fit in well here, you know."

Kaerith felt a warmth spread through him at her words. For the first time in a while, he felt like he belonged somewhere.

The morning passed in a haze of laughter and conversation as Hiro's chaotic but surprisingly edible breakfast was served. Kaerith couldn't help but smile as he watched the dynamic between Hiro and his wives unfold. It was a strange, unconventional family, but it worked.

And for now, that was enough.

The afternoon sun bathed the garden in a warm, golden glow as Kaelrith sat on the veranda, sipping a cool drink. Hiro's wives had insisted he stay the whole day, and though he had initially hesitated, he was glad he did. The mansion's lively atmosphere, with laughter echoing through its halls and the smell of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen, was something he hadn't realized he needed.

As the hours passed, Kael found himself opening up more than he expected. He sat with Emishra, Tsutsumi, and a few of the other wives—Saiko, Bam, and Selena—while the others bustled around the house or relaxed in the living room. They were lounging under a large cherry blossom tree, its petals gently falling around them like snowflakes.

Kaelrith stared down at his hands, his voice low. "I don't know what to do about my kid. Eiji… I had him really young." He paused, his fingers clenching into fists. "I'm only 17, but I've already got a son. And more kids, too. But their mother won't let me see them because of… circumstances."

The group went quiet, their gazes soft but attentive. Emishra leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Circumstances? What kind of circumstances?"

Kael hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's complicated. She… doesn't trust me. And, honestly, I don't blame her. My life hasn't exactly been stable. It's just—" He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You guys seem like a real family, you know? The way you all work together, the way you're there for each other. I've never had that."

Tsutsumi's eyes softened, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup. "You don't have a family?" she asked gently.

Kael shook his head. "Not really. My mom and dad? Never had a real dynamic with them. I was in and out of foster homes, orphanages, and adoptive families. It felt like no one really wanted me." He looked up at the falling petals, his voice quieter now. "The closest thing I've ever had to a family is Ren and Xolotl. Those two are my brothers, even if we don't share blood."

Selena placed a hand on his arm, her emerald-green eyes filled with understanding. "What about your adoptive parents? Weren't they—?"

"They were… troublesome," Kael interrupted, his voice sharp but not angry. "My adoptive mom and I… we didn't get along. Things got bad. So bad that my adoptive dad kicked me out. I was 13. After that…" He shrugged, his eyes distant. "The closest thing I had to a dad was a yakuza boss, a mafia boss, and a director. None of them were exactly… fatherly."

A heavy silence fell over the group. Even Hiro's wives, who were used to hearing wild stories from their husband, seemed shaken by Kael's confession.

"I never had a mother figure, either," Kael admitted after a moment. "No one who cared, no one who stayed. I've always been on my own."

Tsutsumi reached out, her hand resting on Kael's. "You're not on your own now," she said firmly. "You're here with us. And while we might not be your biological family, that doesn't mean we can't be here for you."

Emishra nodded, her sharp purple eyes filled with determination. "She's right. Hiro built this family from nothing. None of us started out perfect. We've all got our baggage, our stories. But we worked through it together. And you? You're part of that now, even if it's just for today."

Kael looked at them, his throat tight. "You really mean that?"

Saiko grinned, her rabbit-like ears twitching. "Of course we do. And hey, if your baby mama's giving you trouble, maybe we can talk some sense into her."

The group chuckled at her playful tone, and for the first time in a long while, Kael felt something warm bloom in his chest. It wasn't quite peace, not yet. But it was hope. And that was more than enough.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Kael found himself smiling, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a little bit lighter. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't alone—and maybe, just maybe, he'd found a place he could call home, even if only temporarily.

The evening carried on, with laughter and chatter filling the Hiro household as the group gathered around the dining table. Hiro's wives had outdone themselves, preparing a feast that seemed fit for royalty. Kaelrith sat awkwardly between Emishra and Selena, picking at his food as the lively conversations swirled around him. Despite the warmth of the environment, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling creeping up his spine.

It all started when Emishra, who had been curious about Kael's life, decided to press further.

"So, Kael," she began casually, her violet eyes fixed on him. "You seem… well off for a kid your age. What's your deal? You mentioned earlier you've been through a lot, but you're here now. What's your story?"

Kael froze mid-bite. He hadn't meant to let it slip, but something about this family made him want to open up. Still, he knew this particular part of his life would raise some eyebrows.

"Well…" he began hesitantly, glancing at Hiro, who was focused on his plate but clearly listening. "I guess I should mention… I, uh… I kind of own a few companies."

The room went silent. Utensils clattered against plates, and all eyes turned to Kael.

"You what?" Selena asked, her voice dripping with disbelief.

Kael sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm… sort of a billionaire. Started a couple of businesses a few months ago, and they took off faster than I expected."

Hiro leaned back in his chair, his endless black eyes narrowing slightly. "A billionaire? At seventeen?"

"Y-yeah," Kael stammered. "I mean, it's not like I planned it. It just… happened. I saw an opportunity, and I went for it."

Emishra raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And these businesses of yours? What do they involve?"

Kael hesitated again. "Tech, mostly. Some investments in Ether-based innovations. A few… entertainment ventures."

Selena's smirk widened. "Entertainment, huh? That sounds shady. Spill it, kid."

Kael groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Fine. There've been a few… scandals."

"Scandals?" Tsutsumi repeated, her blue eyes wide with concern.

Kael nodded reluctantly. "Yeah. Turns out being young, rich, and… well, me, attracts a lot of attention. The media's had a field day with my life. There's this whole narrative about me being a 'reckless playboy' or something. And, okay, maybe I wasn't exactly… careful in the beginning, but I've cleaned up my act!"

Hiro crossed his arms, his gaze heavy. "Define 'reckless.'"

Kael winced. "There may have been… a yacht party that got out of hand. And a… very public argument with a rival CEO. Oh, and that time I accidentally bought an island at an auction."

"An island?" Rosalia nearly choked on her drink. "You bought an island?"

"It was a mistake!" Kael protested. "I didn't think I'd actually win the bid!"

Emishra burst out laughing, her usually serious demeanor cracking. "You're something else, kid. A billionaire with scandals under his belt at seventeen. Hiro, he's practically your protégé!"

Hiro didn't laugh, though the corner of his mouth twitched as if he wanted to. "You're not exactly making it easy for yourself, Kael. But I can't say I'm surprised. You've got the same reckless streak I had at your age."

Tsutsumi reached over and placed a comforting hand on Kael's arm. "It sounds like you've had to grow up fast. But remember, it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them."

Kael looked around the table, surprised by their reactions. He had expected judgment, maybe even scolding. Instead, he found understanding, even admiration.

"Thanks," he said quietly. "I guess I'm still trying to figure out how to balance everything. Being a dad, running businesses, and just… being a teenager."

Selena raised her glass, a sly smile on her face. "Well, kid, if anyone can juggle all that, it's you. Welcome to the chaos club."

As the night wore on, the atmosphere lightened again. Stories were shared, and Kael found himself laughing more than he had in months. For the first time, he felt like he wasn't alone in his struggles.

Kaelrith paused mid-step on his way to the guest room, the question catching him off guard. He turned to face Hiro and his wives, who were now all giving him curious, mischievous looks.

"You know," Hiro started, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed, "for someone who's constantly getting himself into trouble in my class, you sure have a lot of… extracurricular activities, don't you?" His tone was teasing but held a hint of genuine curiosity.

Kael tilted his head, a confused smile creeping onto his face. "What are you talking about?"

Emishra leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know what he's talking about, Kael. All the whispers and rumors we've been hearing. Apparently, you're quite the heartthrob at school."

"I—what?" Kael blinked, genuinely confused.

Hiro smirked. "Oh, don't play dumb. I've seen you hanging out with Koko Honeysuckle and Ayame—the girl with the Midwestern accent. You three seem pretty close. Then there's the rumor about you and the disciplinary committee member. Something about you getting into it with her, and next thing anyone knows, you're in a new club with three other girls? That sound familiar?"

Kael groaned, running a hand down his face. "You've got to be kidding me. How does everyone know this stuff?"

Selena snickered from her spot on the couch. "It's called gossip, darling. You're the school's 'pinnacle of attractiveness,' remember? People notice everything you do."

"Yeah, I've heard that too," Rosalia added with a grin. "Apparently, you've got a whole fan club dedicated to you. They say you're like some kind of walking fantasy. Is it true you've got girls chasing after you all the time?"

Kael's face flushed. "I wouldn't say all the time," he muttered.

Emishra raised an eyebrow. "So? Do you have a girlfriend, then? Or are you just… keeping your options open?"

Kael hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "No, I don't have a girlfriend. Not necessarily, anyway."

"Not necessarily?" Tsutsumi repeated, her voice tinged with amusement. "What does that even mean?"

Kael sighed. "Look, the thing with the disciplinary committee member? She… kind of came on to me. I didn't do anything, but it got blown out of proportion, and now everyone thinks I'm some kind of delinquent or bad boy. And as for Koko and Ayame, they're just my friends. Same with the girls in the new club."

Hiro raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Friends, huh? You're telling me all these girls are just friends? No one's caught your eye?"

Kael hesitated, glancing away. "It's not like that. I don't really have time for relationships right now. Between school, my businesses, and… other responsibilities, I've got enough on my plate."

Selena smirked. "Sounds like an excuse to me. You're seventeen, Kael. You should be having fun, not running yourself ragged."

Kael shrugged. "Maybe. But honestly? I'm not sure I even know what I'm looking for in a relationship. And after everything I've been through… it's hard to trust people."

The room fell silent for a moment, the lighthearted teasing replaced by a somber understanding.

Emishra reached over and gave Kael a gentle nudge. "Hey, you're still young. You've got time to figure all that out. Just don't shut yourself off from the people who care about you, okay?"

Kael gave her a small smile. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Hiro clapped a hand on Kael's shoulder, his smirk returning. "For now, though, try to stay out of trouble, will you? I don't need any more rumors flying around my class because of you."

Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "No promises, Hiro."

As he finally made his way to the guest room, Kael couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. He was grateful for the support and acceptance he had found with Hiro and his family, but their words also reminded him of the challenges he still faced.

Lying in bed that night, Kael stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. He didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn't facing it alone.

The next morning, the sun cast a warm glow over Hiro's sprawling estate. Kaelrith sat in the dining room, finishing a stack of pancakes prepared by Tsutsumi and Emishra. The wives and Hiro had been nothing but welcoming, making him feel like he was part of the family, but reality was already pulling him back.

As the clock ticked closer to noon, Kael knew it was time to leave. School started again tomorrow, and he had to return to the dorms to prepare.

"I really appreciate everything, Hiro," Kael said as he stood by the doorway, his bag slung over his shoulder. "You didn't have to let me stay, but it means a lot."

Hiro, leaning casually against the frame of the door, smirked. "It was nothing, kid. But don't think I've gone soft on you. I expect you to actually pay attention in class tomorrow. No slacking."

Kael chuckled. "I'll try. No promises, though."

Emishra stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Kael. And remember what we talked about last night. You're not alone, no matter how it feels sometimes."

Kael nodded, her words from the previous night still lingering in his mind. "Thanks, Emishra. I'll keep that in mind."

Tsutsumi appeared with a small bag in her hands, pushing it toward him. "Here. Some strawberry pastries for the road. You'll need your energy for tomorrow."

Kael blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Thanks, Tsutsumi. I'll make sure they don't go to waste."

As Kael stepped outside, the rest of the wives gathered by the doorway to see him off. Selena leaned against the doorframe, smirking. "Don't forget, Kael. You've got people rooting for you. Even if you're drowning in scandals and fan clubs."

Rosalia laughed. "And don't cause Hiro too much trouble in class, alright?"

Hiro rolled his eyes but smirked as well. "They're not wrong. You're already a magnet for chaos, kid. Try not to bring it into my classroom tomorrow."

Kael raised a hand in mock salute. "I'll do my best. No promises, though."

He waved one last time as he began his walk down the estate's long driveway, the warm sun on his back. For the first time in a while, Kael felt lighter. Spending time with Hiro and his family had been a break from the chaos of his usual life.

As he approached the end of the driveway, Hiro called out one last time. "Hey, Kael!"

Kael turned, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't forget who you are," Hiro said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "You've got a good heart, kid. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Kael nodded, his expression softening. "Thanks, Hiro. I won't."

With that, Kael continued down the road, his mind already shifting to the challenges ahead. School was starting again, and he had no idea what new chaos awaited him. But for now, he felt ready to face it.