PART 56

"Sky..." Nani whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "Please, say it to me," Sky pleaded, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Nani opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, his father appeared, his face contorted with anger.  With a sharp, stinging slap, he struck Sky across the face.  The three boys from the F4 stood behind them, their faces etched with concern. Nani gasped, his eyes widening in shock. Sky stood motionless, his hand instinctively rising to his burning cheek. "Dad!" Sky exclaimed, his voice sharp with alarm. "So this is it? You did all that because you like him? Sky?! I didn't raise you to be like this!"  His father's voice boomed, his words laced with disappointment and fury. Sky stood his ground, his voice steady despite the burning sting on his cheek. "Even if I do like him? Is it forbidden to love someone, Dad? I'm sorry, but I can't do what you want. I'm not like you, obsessed with money and work." His father's face crumpled with disappointment. "Sky! Are you talking back to me? How disrespectful! You're not the son I raised!"  He shook his head, his voice heavy with sorrow.  "I don't approve of this." Sky met his father's gaze, his own eyes unwavering. "Do what you want. But I won't stop loving Nani."