Your father~

After school, near the house. You get out of the car, and Renji is already waiting for you at the threshold. Crossed arms, squinting and... a storm in his eyes.

“So who was that?” he asks, without even saying hello.

You blink.

• Who?

He takes a step forward, pointing his finger towards the school.

• That... blond guy with a backpack, who laughed too cheerfully when you were telling something. Why is he suddenly so happy about life?

You roll your eyes.

• Dad, it's just Ilya. He told a joke.

“Joke,” Renji repeats grimly. “Yeah. And then, he walked you to your car? What next? A beaded bracelet? Instagram pics together? A wedding at 23?”

You're laughing. — Are you out of your mind?

He presses his hand to his heart.

• Not anymore. After my daughter, my sun, my little one, laughs at other people's jokes - no, I'm clearly not myself. Where did I make a mistake?

— Maybe it’s because you’re being dramatic?

He looks away theatrically:

• Maybe... But why shouldn't I be jealous if you smile more and more often at someone else, and not at me? I'm your clown, psychotherapist and safety cushion all rolled into one. And now here's Ilya.

You come closer, stand on your toes and kiss him on the cheek.

• Well, jealous cat, are you happy?

He frowns, but inside he is already melting.

• Not exactly. I need at least ten of these kisses. And for you not to write to Ilya for an hour. And we'll watch a movie together today, on my terms.

You laugh, already knowing that he will choose the stupidest action movie or anime with a lot of slow-mo and pathos. But you don’t mind either. After all, the jealous, a little crazy, but the closest person is right next to you.

• Went? He asked with a smile, holding out his hand to you.