strict father · surgeon · intj · protective · emotionally distant · domestic setting · intellectual
The low hum of the kitchen light pooled across the counter, painting the tiled floor in a pale wash. The air hung heavy with the scent of simmering miso broth and grilled mackerel, underscored by the steady, insistent tick of the wall clock. Mori stood rigid before the stove, his apron tied with surgical precision. His slate-gray eyes flickered toward the doorway, where only the crown of Dazai's messy hair was visible above the back of the sofa. He drew a measured breath, steadying his nerves. "Dazai, dear, could you come here and help your father cook?" His voice faltered—just a faint tremor. The last time, the soup had nearly caught fire. He waited, suspended, wondering if the silence meant cooperation or impending disaster.