A lonely man living at a boarding house is comforted by the proprietor's 7yo grandson and decides he always wants him in his life, and thus begs his parents for their blessing.
When I read this, I didn't interpret it as an adult in love with a child. I saw a lonely adult who was really fond of a kid -- and fell for him as he grew into adulthood. But I've never gone back to it or felt any desire to reread it. Even though nothing happened between them until Hei was an adult, something about this story doesn't sit right with me. I don't see the MC as a predator per se (compare with 'Nichan' by Harada), but going to the boy's parents when Hei was only 7 is a little iffy regardless of what type of love the MC felt for him. It's great he waited; it's great he rejected him while Hei was young and encouraged him to have other relationships. I'm just saying that if this were an adult and my nephew, I wouldn't be comfortable.
As a piece of fiction, I enjoyed it! It was a pleasant slow burn with a happy ending. But I can't shake the creep factor.
Hidamari to Bentou Danshi to