Kaito stood at the front, counting the beats with a focused expression. His athletic build and confident movements highlighted his years of experience. Meanwhile, Riku, the youngest member, struggled to keep up but wore a determined look, his small stature contrasting with the maturity of his gaze.
Yuki, the group’s energetic spirit, bounced over to Riku and ruffled his hair playfully. "Keep it up, little guy! You're doing great!"
Riku sipped on his juice, watching as Kaito munched on a sandwich. The boy’s eyes twinkled mischievously as he decided to tug lightly on Kaito's sleeve. "Hey, Kaito, you missed a step back there," he teased, trying to mimic an authoritative tone.
Kaito raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile. "Oh, really? Maybe someone needs a little reminder of who’s the teacher here," he replied, reaching out to tickle Riku gently.
Riku squealed, trying to escape Kaito's relentless fingers. He wriggled and giggled, his cheeks flushed with joy. "Stop, stop, please!" he pleaded, his voice high-pitched with laughter. In his excitement, he blurted out, "Father, stop!"
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone registered the slip. Kaito paused, surprise and a warm glow spreading across his face.
Haru, the eldest after Kaito, chuckled heartily. "Father, huh? Looks like you’ve got a new title," he teased, giving Kaito a playful nudge.
Mika, the group's quiet observer, smiled softly. "It suits you, Kaito," she said, her eyes twinkling with understanding.
Kaito knelt down to Riku's level, his expression gentle. "Well, if I’m going to be your father, then you’d better listen to me, okay?" he said, ruffling Riku's hair affectionately.
Riku nodded, a shy smile spreading across his face. "Okay, Kaito... I mean, Father," he replied, feeling a warmth in his chest.
The music resumed, and the group moved in sync, each step more confident, each movement more unified. The teasing continued, but beneath it all was a shared understanding and a bond that had grown stronger through laughter and a simple, accidental word.
