Chapter 25 – Concept of Love

There are several different types of love, but the most prominent ones are familial love and romantic love. While familial love and romantic love are two sides of the same coin, they could not be any more different from each other.

This is the core idea in which Takei has decided to research today. He wanted to know more about the differing types of love after finishing a romantic comedy manga that had been recommended to him by a certain blonde haired girl.

First, he decided to find out his sister's thoughts on this subject.

"The difference between familial love and romantic love? Am I really the right person to ask about this?" Airi asked, confused.

Takei shrugged. "I don't know that many people, so you're the only one I can turn to besides our parents."

"What about asking Akari?"

"It would be too awkward, my mental strength is crumbling even from the thought of it," Takei shivered.

Asking the innocent and pure goddess was definitely out of the question. Takei wanted no part in tainting the goddess. Although, the innocent and pure goddess was only a figment of Takei's imagination. Akari was not as pure and innocent as he thought. Unfortunately, there was no way for Takei to know in the current time. In the near future however, there will be a time when he finds out about the enchantress side of the goddess.

"Hmm... well, the textbook definition is the only thing I can give you since I'm not well versed in romantic love."

Takei's gaze turned icy. "You better not be."

"Whoa, calm down. I'm not getting a boyfriend any time soon?!" Airi explained, in a fluster.

It's the right of an older brother to look out for his younger sister. I must keep away all evil men from her. I'm just a protective older brother, I promise I'm not a sister-con, alright?

After an hour was used up in order to pacify Takei, he embarked into the living room to find his parents. Airi told him about how they were cuddling on the couch together.

"Oya, Takei? What's wrong?" Flora asked.

"I wanted to ask you two a question..." Takei said.

Both of his parents saw how serious Takei was being, so they straightened their backs and focused all of their attention on him.

Flora and Yuuto tensed up in anticipation of their son's upcoming question.

"Well, what's up?" Yuuto inquired.

"...Familial love and romantic love. What's the difference?" He asked.

The first generation idiot couple looked at each other with a shocked expression.

Flora grasped Yuuto's hand. "Springtime has come early for our son, dear."

He gripped Flora's hands tighter. "Indeed it has, I am so proud of him."

They were both overcome with emotions due to Takei's change in behavior. The old him would've never asked about love or anything even closely related to it.

Takei was not even slightly amused though. "So, about my question..."

Flora was brought back to her senses after hearing Takei's annoyed tone. "Ah, I think you're overthinking it, Takei."

"I'm overthinking it?" Takei said.

"Yes you are, most definitely. I'll let your mother explain," Yuuto affirmed.

Due to Yuuto setting up the stage, Flora looked like a teacher about to explain the contents of a lesson to her student.

"Familial love is an undying type of love that you have for your family where the love is unconditional, while romantic love is a sense of attraction you have to another person. A sign of romantic love is when there's a warm feeling inside of your heart when you're with them."

Flora explained the difference in a very precise manner. Takei immediately thought about the meaning of the explanation.

If romantic love was a sense of attraction and a warm feeling in your heart... Why do I feel warm inside whenever I talk to Akari? Is it admiration, or is it...

Wait, stop.

I should wait and observe until I'm able to reach a definitive conclusion. There's no point in finding a definitive answer with incomplete evidence.

Takei noticed that he had been silent for several moments and that his parents had grown concerned about him. He decided to partially lie about his understanding since he hadn't reached a conclusion yet and also because he didn't want to worry his parents.

"Ah, I understand now."

Takei lowered his head and bowed in front of his parents.

"Thank you for helping me out."

The old couple were overjoyed to hear their son thanking them for their advice. It was truly once a full moon when their son would come to them for advice.

"It's no problem. Please come to us if you have any more questions," Flora beamed.

"Takei, please rely on us more," Yuuto gently smiled.

The beloved Takei grinned in this situation. "Sure, that sounds nice."

He began to leave the room until his mother called for him once again.

"Takei?"

Confused, he turned around. "What's wrong?"

"New Year's Eve is in three days, make sure you have fun with Akari."

***

Akari Akazawa (***-***-****)

Chat History

6:15 p.m.

Me: Good evening.

Akari: Takei? What's up?

Me: I'll cut to the point, would you like to visit a festival with me on New Year's Eve?

Akari: That sounds perfect! Let's wear our yukatas~

Me: Let's meet up at the nearby station at 6 p.m.

Akari: Be prepared to see my stunning yukata!

Me: *SIGH*

Akari: Why did you have to write it out?!

---

Ah, young love. I hope these idiots blow up from the diabetes they've been giving me.