Akashi felt dread while he walked towards his father's study. The dull hearbeats that he felt was enough to make sure that there were nothing good coming out from the elder's mouth. However, he remained composed and silently saying that it was nothing but just a nightmare.
He knocked the sturdy wooden door, before entering and gave his father a small bow out of respect. With an icy expression, he spoke, breaking the silence that filled the air, "Otou-sama, I'm noted that I have to meet you here, in your study. Anything matters involving me?"
Akashi Masaomi lowered down the newspaper that he had been holding - now fully directing his attention to his only son. Their eyes met for a moment, but he noticed that his son would quickly break it. With a sigh, he said with a bored tone, "Indeed I've called you for some matters that involve both the future of the company and your life."
His father's words made him unconsciously flinched. Despite living with the man for nearly sixteen years, he had to admit that the coldness of his father's voice managed to make him shudder. And to think that he was inheriting such coldness - Akashi mused. Nodding his head slowly, he replied, "May I know what is it?"
Masaomi placed both of his hands on the table and his mahogany eyes never once leave his son's figure. "Come, Seijuurou." He motioned him to come closer and the moment Akashi reached to his table, he tapped a few papers placed in front of him. "You may have a seat."
"Thank you otou-sama." Akashi managed to mutter out. He glanced at the papers that were now placed in front of him. Curious, he reached out to one of them and waited for his father's explanation. Most of it looked a form and some detail explanation that he didn't bother to care. Something's bad is going to happen...
"Seijuurou, I'm sure that you realized that the Akashi Empire that I built within the years are going to be ruled by you one day. Because you are my son, the one and the only who deserved to lead the company to infinite success." Masaomi spoke.
Akashi merely nodded. "Thus, being the successor of such company isn't easy, I realized - but as my son, this is the moment for you to start to know and learn about our family's pride and joy as soon as possible," he paused, "And that's exactly why, you need to lend a hand in keeping this company at the top of the throne forever."
Akashi knew it was his responsibility to ensure the company's prestagious name, but he felt it was still too early for him to bear such burden on his shoulder. He was busy in school, along with managing the basketball club and attending all the classes his father provided. This is not going to end well...
"I am aware that you barely have a time for yourself, son - but do realize that you are free to quit the basketball club if it was necessary - since this is an important matter."
Akashi tensed at his father's word that acted like a knife - slowly and painfully stabbing his heart.
Noticing his silent son, Masaomi continued, "And now, a bigger threat is facing us." Akashi raised his brow. Was there any companies that actually stood on the same level as theirs? He wasn't so sure, but he was certain that it was the main point of their discussion now.
Just as Akashi about to open his mouth and ask his father, he was cut off.
"Nakazuki Trading Corporation."
.
It was hard to believe what happened yesterday. It was real, but it was surreal at the same time. It felt like a nightmare at some point, but a part of her traitorous heart stated it was a wonderful dream. She was truly confused.
At the same time, she was almost sure that the council president was acting a little strange.
Out of nowhere, he hugged her amidst the rain.
And damn it truly felt like a typical shoujo manga where your heart goes toki doki!
The warm feelling that lingered in her heart when it happened was what bothered her the most. These unknown feelings that she was currently feeling - could it be love?
Does falling for you sounds foolish, Akashi?
Did she started to fall for that redhead now? Was there even a chance for her to start liking the president?
Her... and that redhead?
No. Way. That. Will. Happen.
That was what she said to herself. But was that what her heart wanted? She never expected to think such thing. Honestly, of course, Yuurei couldn't dropped out the fact that she possibly felt happy and touch by his actions - albeit a little confused.
Just who are you, redhead?
Why do you keep on invading my mind?
Yuurei stared at the ceiling of her room. Tossing and turning on her bed, she still couldn't ignore the memories replaying inside her mind. Who were they to each other? Friends? Schoolmates? Or maybe just an acquaintance?
They held hands together.
They walked home together.
Yeah. Now what?
Yuurei shook her head. That was the least to ever happen to her, so there wasn't any point on thinking about that matter anyways. That asides, she had something more critical to think right now.
"Yuurei, you are to attend a dinner with the heir of one of the most influential company in Japan." A moment of pause.
Yuurei's eyes widen. There was no way she'll be going to a dinner with a stranger. Period. She was about to reply when suddenly her father continued - a perfect stillness on his face and voice.
"And if you have the intention on carrying your surname seriously, it wouldn't be a trouble at all. You woundn't even hesitate for a moment."
There was malice hidden in those words. Yuurei felt trapped. Being accepted in to the family was only thing she ever dreamed of, but the unreasonable request was a little unfair. Dread clawed at her heart.
"But that was quite irrational." Yuurei managed to mutter.
"Yuurei, do realize that I'm not going to force you. In fact, I'll be the happiest if you deny my little request. Think carefully. Choices are on your hands. Choose wisefully and don't regret your desicion later on."
She sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall. Getting off from her bed lazily, she decided to get ready for the dinner. Yuurei turned to look at the photo frames she placed on her study table. Her heart soften as she looked the people she loved smilling happily in the picture.
Somehow - just somehow - life must be easier if you were here with me...
Tears brimmed her eyes. Hopefully, this will be the last time for her to fulfill such request from her father.
.
After a while, Yuurei walked out from the room and was dressed pretty decently for the first time. She wasn't the type to dress up nicely except for some important functions she needed to attend.
Maybe tonight is one of the exception.
Yuurei grimaced at the sudden thought of having a dinner with a random old man who knew nothing but to stick around with young girls. And worse, an old man that might be labelled as a pervert.
That was impossible, right?
Even though he hates me, there's no way he'll stoop so low.
Yuurei chased out the mere idea of it. At least, she had to trust that man for now. And perhaps, that was the only option for her to solve everything that she was facing at that moment.
Taking a final deep breath, she walked out from the house - with a wave of determination in her heart - and smiled.
.
The restaurant was the very definition of romantic - and much more dramatic - and she felt totally out of place. While everyone was wearing dresses and frilly clothes, she was just wearing a simple strip shirt and black jeans.
Well, that was nice right? Comparing to the other days where she'll wear something so casually.
"Miss, may I help you?" A voice greeted her.
"I'm supposedly to have a dinner here, with someone that supposedly to be a very important person." She replied with a hint of sour sarcasm that was barely hidden.
The waiter laughed nervously, before asking, "May I know your name, miss?"
"Nakazuki Yuurei."
Scanning through the booking list, the waiter frowned and spoke, "I'm truly sorry, miss, but your name isn't on the list."
What?
Softly, she replied back, "Why don't you try again? Perhaps you miss it."
Sadly, the same reply was given to her by the waiter with an apologetic look. Yuurei knew she had to back down now, or she will become the attention of countless eyes inside the restaurant.
"I'm truly sorry, Nakazuki-san." The waiter bowed and apologised again.
With a soft smile, she just muttered a small thanks for his time and began to step away from the restaurant.
And suddenly, Yuurei felt a soft tug on her shirt and somehow a figure stepped in front of her, taking her hands in his own.
Her eyes widen in realization and she stared at him in disbelief, "You...?"
"Sorry for being a tad late, Nakazuki-san."
.
Bad author is bad =.= sorry for being such a bad person and thank you for still reading this story and giving it a chance . Honestly , this chapter is unedited so please pardon my grammatical errors and such .
kisekiyukira =.=