My stepsisters are sexy demons, and I must protect them

«M-Ms. Yuunami? What are you doing here?» Rika asks in disbelief, stunned to see her former math teacher standing in the doorway beside Hakuto.

«Yeah, this is seriously weird...» mutters Chantal — she too had been one of Misaki's students at Tsugumi High. «Hakuto, don't tell me... you vanished for three days just to hang out in Ashiya with our former teacher?!» she exclaims, scandalized.

«Misaki... isn't just our former math teacher...» Hakuto begins hesitantly. His gaze is fixed on Shin, who stands frozen, speechless at the sight of the woman. «She... she's my mother.»

«WHAT?!» The collective gasp of shock echoes through the room. Only Shin and Kagura don't look surprised — Hakuto had already told them everything long ago.

«Rika, Chantal, I'm truly happy to see you both safe. I hope changing schools hasn't made you lose your usual dedication to your studies,» Misaki says with a polite bow.

But the girls remain silent — still too shocked to respond.

«Shin...» Misaki continues, her voice turning heavy with remorse as she lowers herself into a deep bow. «...I came here to ask you for forgiveness — once again. Hakuto already knows everything. I told him every single detail — about the vile, disgraceful act I committed the day he was born. He knows that out of selfishness and ambition, I abandoned you both — choosing my career over my own family! It's my greatest regret in this world, and I would give anything to turn back time and erase that unforgivable mistake. But that's not a privilege granted to ordinary humans like me... I can't change the past, but I can make sure the future is different! I've missed so much — too much — of Hakuto's life. His first steps, his first words, his first baby tooth... things no mother should ever have to miss, no matter what. I'm willing to do anything — anything — if it means being accepted by you again, Shin! I made you suffer so much, and you didn't deserve any of it. I don't expect you to forgive me overnight or pretend nothing happened, but please... give me the chance to be the mother I couldn't be. I beg you, Shin...» Misaki sobs, still bowing, her eyes fixed on the ground as heavy tears patter against the living room tiles.

She flinches the moment a large, heavy hand gently rests on the back of her neck — Shin's.

«Raise your head, Misaki. You have nothing to apologize for...» Shin murmurs calmly.

She immediately looks up, locking eyes with him in disbelief. She had never imagined he'd respond so gently — not after everything that had happened, not after all the anger he'd carried toward her for so many years.

«That's not true...» Misaki sobs, shaking her head frantically. «I have so much — too much — to be forgiven for! From you, and especially from our son! But I swear I'll do everything I can to make up for the emptiness I left in Hakuto's heart — and, if you'll let me, in yours too... I love you, Shin. I've never stopped loving you, not even for a second. Even now, seventeen years after our separation, my love for you hasn't faded. I want to begin again — with you, with Hakuto. I want to rebuild the family we once dreamed of!»

Shin runs his fingers gently through her hair.

«It's as much your fault as it is mine — after all, it takes two to fight, doesn't it? You made mistakes, yes, and that goodbye of yours is still seared into my memory even after all these years. But I wasn't any better. You tried to reach out so many times — you even quit your job to prove your sincerity — but I just kept slamming the door in your face. I used the excuse of wanting to protect our son from being hurt again, just to justify my own fear — the same fear that kept me from opening my heart to the woman who had once broken it. I should've put all that aside and thought of Hakuto's happiness, not my own. But as you can see, I'm nowhere near a perfect parent myself. You have nothing to apologize for, Misaki. I'm genuinely happy you want to be a part of our son's life — I mean that, from the bottom of my heart.»

«Shin... don't you think you're forgetting something?» Yuzu teases, while Rika and Chantal, standing beside her, struggle to hold back their tears.

«Forgetting something...?» Shin repeats, confused.

«The part where she said she loves you! You have to tell her you love her too — that you can't wait to be a happy family again! And better yet — tell her you can't wait to give Hakuto a little brother!» Yuzu blurts out.

Misaki can barely hold back a laugh, while Shin sighs in exasperation — but he doesn't answer. Not with words.

Instead, he pulls Misaki into a tight embrace — tighter than he ever has before — and then turns to Hakuto, who's been standing quietly off to the side, not wanting to interrupt the touching moment.

With a subtle nod, Shin calls him over. Hakuto doesn't hesitate for even a second. Tears blur his vision as he rushes forward, throwing his arms around his mother and father — finally, after seventeen long years, together again.

«And you girls — what are you waiting for?» Shin says, turning toward Rika, Yuzu, Chantal, and Kagura. «This is a family hug — and you're part of this family too! Come on, don't be shy! I've only got one arm, but I promise I'll hug all of you!»

At his words, Rika and Yuzu immediately spring to their feet and dive into the embrace.

Chantal hesitates for a moment — unlike with Elisabeth, she's never been the type to go for such open, sentimental gestures. But in the end, urged on by Yuzu and Rika, who literally drag her by the arms, she gives in and joins the group hug.

Only Kagura remains apart, watching the scene from a distance with a gentle smile on her face. Technically, she and Shin are still married, and it feels a bit awkward to step into an embrace that also includes Misaki Yuunami — his ex-wife and Hakuto's mother.

But it's Misaki herself who invites her in, insisting even more than the girls do — and eventually, Kagura gives in too.

Shin, Hakuto, Misaki, Kagura, Rika, Yuzu, and Chantal — all held together in a long, heartfelt embrace that seems to last forever, their hearts finally free of secrets and guilt.

But then, the moment shatters — Shin suddenly coughs violently, harder than before, and a burst of blood escapes his lips.

«Dad, are you okay? Do you need help?!» Hakuto shouts in alarm. «Yuzu, Rika — quick! Use your saliva to heal him!»

But Shin stops them with a wave of his hand.

«Succubi working for HESPARC — ones far stronger than you — have already tried, but it was no use...» more blood splatters onto the floor. «The wounds I suffered in my fight against Cassian were too severe — beyond even their healing magic. I... I have to go back to the hospital now. It took a lot of convincing just to get permission to leave for an hour — they're waiting for me outside.»

Then he turns to Hakuto, grasping his hand tightly.

«Take care of your mother and your sisters for me, son.»

«D-Dad... stop talking like we'll never see you again,» Hakuto murmurs, his voice trembling as he struggles to hold back tears. «You're the world's number one Monster Reaper — I'm sure it won't be long before you're back on your feet, stronger than ever! We'll train together again, right? Promise me, Dad...»

Shin gives him a gentle, compassionate smile.

«It's getting late... I should go, or the nurses will start yelling at me,» Shin says softly, turning toward the door.

Without another word, he steps outside — and slowly disappears beyond the doorway.