What was Leo’s parents’ impression when Maru was introduced as part of the Tsukinaga family?

Maru's presence felt like an "enable" button for Leo and his parents, allowing them to see a more carefree and authentic side of him they hadn’t seen in years. They noted how he seemed at ease, much like the hyperactive and lively boy he’d been in childhood—a part of him they remembered fondly, despite how challenging it had been to raise a unique child like Leo. Over the years, Leo had grown into someone who carried a lot on his shoulders, often taking responsibility for his family’s happiness and appearing as though everything was fine.

In fact, Leo once joked that he wouldn’t want Maru to see how he was as a child, fearing she might dislike him. His parents were grateful that Maru could bring out his free-spirited side again, something they longed to see. They understood that he often suppressed this side of himself, perhaps due to a sense of duty or the “burden” he felt. They assured Maru, “We’re glad you’re there for him, giving him peace. It’s alright if he doesn’t show his carefree side with us; we just want him to have his own happiness, especially with someone he cherishes.”

Leo’s hyperactive side had often felt like a burden to the family; he’d likely been scolded as a child with things like, “Why can’t you act like other kids?” He’d struggled to fit in, even in regular school, which eventually led his father to enroll him in the Idol Program at Yumenosaki Private Academy. He likely needed the structure of private schooling due to challenges possibly autism, requiring extra support to learn and engage socially as traditional schooling hadn’t suited him.

Due to his family’s struggles in finding the right support for him, had perhaps caused him to hide his true self as he learned to put on a more “normal” persona—becoming both strict and caring person. As the firstborn and a protective older brother, Leo had adapted by taking on a more reserved, reliable role. So, seeing Leo act freely and still show his protective, nurturing side around Maru brought his parents peace of mind. While they also wished he could open up and be his cheerful self around them, knowing that he felt free and happy with Maru was enough for them.