Chapter 66: So far?
After that incident, Alex went back to his home in Kanagawa. It was still the weekend. He often went back on weekends to keep in touch with his friends and others.
He took an early train and returned home. Placing the key in the keyhole, opening his grand house, he said a common phrase out of habit.
'I'm back home.'
It was when he just started going to school, he would announce to notify his mother who was waiting for him to get back. She also was the one who taught him this.
She had died several years ago, but on her deathbed, she asked him to always say it whenever he entered because of his father. She requested him to take care of his father.
It was to let him know, on the rare occasion he was home, that he was not alone. Alex never expected a reply, not anymore. After all, such an event never took place. Alex took off his shoes to change into his slippers when he heard it.
'Welcome back.'
Alex saw his father descending down from the stairs, holding a cup of coffee, giving a warm smile.
'Dad.'
Ever since Alex's treatment, Dean has been coming home more often.
A week after the procedure was completed, Watson informed Dean that the treatment was a success. Dear came home immediately the next day.
Alex opened the door. Seeing his son well and alive, not weak and gloomy, Dean hugged him tightly, embracing him as tears of happiness rolled out.
Dean still doesn't know about Alex's powers, his incidents with Jira or WS. He is happy that his son is as healthy as a horse, even healthier.
They both had breakfast together as they chatted. Dean was surprised how much smarter Alex had become after the treatment. He was proud of his son, who was already in university.
He would have preferred if Alex had studied business instead of biology and eventually took over his company, but he wanted Alex to do whatever he wished.
'How's your new university life going, Alex?'
'It's great. I'm having a lot of fun.'
'Look at you, 17, and already going to university. Make sure you don't grow up too fast, or else you'll miss out on a lot of things.'
'Got it that Dad.'
'And that reminds, you still don't have a girlfriend. You're already in university, when are you going to get one? Or are you going steady with that girl, what was her name?'
Dean recollected his memories.
'The one that landed on your face.'
'Her name is Asuna, and she fell on my chest. And no, I'm not going out with her.'
Alex killed the rumor.
'I'm six inches off, so what? This time make sure you do it right.'
Alex knew he would bring up this conversation.
'Come on, Dad. Even you never had one until you met mom.'
'Don't compare yourself to me. I was too busy to get laid. I was building a company by myself. What are you doing, saving the world?'
'Not yet.'
They both laughed. It was a pleasant conversation. *Makes you forget what kind of novel you're reading.*
Alex spent the entire day with his father. It was quality father-son time. They talked, and they laughed. They watched movies and played games, it was a joyful time.
Night came, and they were in the library playing chess. Dean had been watching Alex the entire day and decided it was time he asked.
'Alex, something has been bothering you, hasn't it?'
'How can you say?'
Dear only smiled. Dean always had been able to tell what a person was thinking. It was one of the qualities that made his wife marry him.
'Well, is there?'
Dean moved his bishop.
--Mom did say Dad was good at say reading minds. Alex wasn't surprised.
'There is something that has been at the back of my mind recently.'
'Care to tell your father? You don't have to if you don't want to.'
Alex advanced his pawn.
'There is a friend of mine who has a really bad relationship with his father. Recently, he messed up a little and got slapped by him. He's been down ever since. I'm just thinking if I could help him.'
'Can you?'
Dean took the pawn with his knight. Alex took his knight with his bishop.
'I can, but I'll have to skip a few days of university and quite possibly get into a fight.'
His father only smiled at Alex's answer. He placed his Queen.
'Remember what you wanted to become when you were little?'
'That silly thing? I'm surprised you still remember.'
Alex moved his knight.
'How could I forget? I was the same age when I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I didn't give up, worked hard, and become one. Are you saying you're giving up?'
Dean threatened to take the knight with his.
'Who said I was giving up? But are you sure, Dad?'
Alex only advanced his pawn. Dean took the knight.
'The important thing is, are you sure, Alex? Tell me something, is this friend of yours important to you?
Alex took out his rook. Dean retreated his bishop.
'Kinda'
Alex advanced his Queen with a pawn. Dean moved his king.
'And does he need help?'
Alex took the knight with his rook. Dean took the rook with his rook.
'Yes'
Alex brought his other rook. Dean moved his pawn
'And what do the people you inspire to become do?'
Alex captured the pawn with his rook. Dean took the rook.
'They help them.'
Alex placed his Queen. It was the final move, and he had won. He got up.
'Thanks, Dad. I probably won't be able to see you for a month or two, so I'm glad that you came today.'
'Don't worry about it. You do what you have to do.'
Alex went to his room. His father losing for the 5th time was peacefully looking at the board as he leaned back. He gently whispered.
'Yumi, are you watching? You always did want a child who cared for others more than himself.'
The night passed away.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone