The morning sun bathed the mansion in a soft golden light, casting warm reflections across the polished marble floors. Today was a day unlike any other in Phuby's life. After months of video calls and heartfelt conversations through a screen, Hana's parents were finally visiting in person. The atmosphere in the house was a mix of nervous anticipation and subtle excitement.
Phuby stood near the main entrance, adjusting the collar of his dark button-up shirt for the fifth time. "You think this is too formal?" he asked Hana, who stood beside him in a light lavender dress that matched the tabebuya petals blooming in the garden.
"No," Hana replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "You look perfect. Just… please don't smoke while they're here."
"I won't," Phuby chuckled, though his hands were already missing the comfort of a coffee cup. "Thanks."
Mrs. Wulan and Om Luky had both spent the morning ensuring every corner of the house was spotless. The kitchen smelled faintly of pandan and vanilla from the kue lapis and chiffon cake they had prepared. A fresh pot of jasmine tea waited on the table in the living room. Everything was ready.
A sleek black Alphard finally pulled into the driveway. Phuby took a deep breath as the doors opened.
Hana's father stepped out first — tall, refined, with the dignified presence of a seasoned professor. His neatly combed gray-streaked hair and crisp blazer gave him an aura of strict formality. Behind him, Hana's mother emerged with elegance — her kimono-inspired blouse adorned with subtle sakura embroidery. Her smile was gentle, though her eyes carried the sharpness of someone who missed nothing.
Phuby bowed slightly and extended his hand. "Welcome to our home. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."
Hana's mother smiled as she took his hand. "We've seen so much of you on screen, Phuby-san. It's good to finally see you face-to-face."
"Same here, Ma'am," he said.
Hana's father gave him a firm handshake and a small nod. "You've done quite well for yourself," he said in accented English. "This house is… impressive."
"Thank you, Sir. It's all thanks to everyone's support."
After brief introductions, they were led into the house. Hana translated softly whenever her parents occasionally switched to Japanese, though her mother surprised them by speaking fluent English most of the time.
The living room was filled with the light hum of casual conversation as tea and cakes were served. Phuby could feel the subtle weight of Hana's father's gaze, as though he were being measured silently with every answer he gave. But rather than wilt under pressure, he leaned into it with honesty and calm. He shared stories about his journey, the bakery, the livestreaming career, and how much Hana had changed his life.
Mrs. Wulan and Om Luky chimed in when needed, sharing their own perspectives and backing Phuby with subtle affirmations of his growth and commitment. The conversation turned warmer as laughter trickled in between stories. Even Hana's father cracked a rare smile when Phuby spoke about his early failures and comical livestream moments.
Later, the group toured the mansion. Hana's mother admired the Japanese-inspired elements in the garden, including the zen space Hana had envisioned, complete with the single tabebuya tree blooming like a cherry blossom in spring. She stood beneath it, eyes thoughtful.
"It's not sakura," Phuby said quietly as he approached her, "but I hoped it would remind you of home."
She looked up at the soft pink blossoms, then back at him. "You planted this for Hana, didn't you?"
"Yes," he said, his voice low but firm. "For her. For you, too."
She nodded slowly, then turned toward the house again. "She's very happy here. That's what matters most."
After returning to the house, the group headed down to the basement. The surprise karaoke and game room left both parents slightly stunned. "You made all this for your friends?" Hana's father asked.
"For friends, for family. For Hana too. It's… a space to enjoy life."
They sat for one last round of refreshments upstairs as the sun began to dip beyond the rooftops. The mood was peaceful now, like a clear sky after rain.
Then, just as Phuby felt the evening was coming to a gentle close, Hana's mother set down her cup and looked directly at him.
"So… when will you marry my daughter?"
The room went utterly silent.
Hana choked on her tea, her face flushed. Phuby nearly dropped the glass he was holding. Mrs. Wulan's eyebrows shot up, and Om Luky let out a sharp cough, trying to stifle his reaction. Even Hana's father raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting his wife to be so direct.
"I—uh…" Phuby stammered, blinking rapidly.
"I'm just asking," Hana's mother said with a smile so serene it bordered on mischievous. "You've already built the house, the business, and the life. You love her, don't you?"
"I do," Phuby answered without hesitation this time, his voice clearer. "I love her very much."
"Then I'll wait for the invitation," she said simply.
The room burst into a flurry of reactions — laughter, teasing from Om Luky, and Hana hiding her face in her hands while muttering, "Okaasan…"
Phuby smiled, cheeks red but heart full. For the first time, it felt like the future wasn't just something he dreamed of — it was already unfolding before him.