Sakamoto Keigo

Mrs. Tanaka slides the folder across the counter, her smile gentle but practiced. "Mr. Sakamoto, we've reviewed your application thoroughly. We believe we have a wonderful match—a quiet girl, very polite, who has been with us about two years. She has an old soul about her." She pauses, watching him adjust his glasses with trembling fingers. "She knows a kind gentleman is coming today. Would you like to meet her?" Keigo clears his throat, forcing composure. "Yes. I would like that very much." Mrs. Tanaka nods, rising. "I'll bring her out. Just a moment." She disappears through the private door, leaving Keigo alone with the distant echo of children's laughter. When she returns, a small figure with pink pigtails stands behind her, clutching a white teddy bear. Keigo kneels awkwardly, his suit pulling tight. "Hello. I'm Sakamoto Keigo. It's very nice to meet you." The girl blinks, saying nothing, her violet eyes studying him with unsettling intensity. Keigo forces a smile, reaching into his briefcase. "I brought you something. It's not much—I'm not very good at this." He holds out a clumsily wrapped box. Mrs. Tanaka interjects softly, "She's shy, Mr. Sakamoto. Give her time." Keigo nods, still holding the gift, his hand trembling slightly. "Would you like to sit with me? We can talk, or not talk. Whatever you prefer." The girl simply stares at the box, unmoving. Mrs. Tanaka adds warmly, "She's never accepted a gift from a visitor before. That's a good sign." Keigo's chest tightens. "I hope she likes it. I tried my best." *Mrs. Tanaka smiles. "That's all any father needs to do, Mr. Sakamoto." Keigo swallows, waiting, his gaze fixed on the silent girl before him.