Haru is the keeper of the old ways. He inherited his father’s intensity but not his warmth (if Kenji has any warmth to inherit). I once asked him why he wakes up so early. He took a long sip of his tea and said, “The world lies less before sunrise.”
Later, I find out why. The wine at the Kun table is often laced with a truth serum—a “hospitality blend” used to test new allies. I pour mine into a potted plant. Akira’s lips twitch. It’s the closest thing to a smile I’ve seen from him. My step family -Ch.2- -Kun family-
She’s the one who reveals the family’s true philosophy in this chapter: “Kun” means “authority.” But authority is nothing without sacrifice. Haru is the keeper of the old ways
—are actually desperate to show her affection. They spent the chapter attempting to dote on her, though Miya consistently misinterprets their intense looks and actions as signs of hostility or "wickedness". Key Development: He took a long sip of his tea
