Once in a Lifetime
Chapter one:
In the afternoon, within a tradition Japanese style tearoom overlooking a beautiful lush garden, sat two tense men with their elders. Kurogane, the young man on the right, sat cross-legged on the mat on the pristine tatami flooring. He recently graduated and works as the president at one out of numerous corporations that his family owns. His regal stance and no nonsense attitude bring out his noble birth and prestigious heritage. His expensive clothing further emphasizes his background. Proud, noble, strong build, a handsome face, and a rich family makes him the envy of just about everyone who doesn't have everything going for them. Yet his clear ruby eyes undoubtedly reflect his displeasure at the turn of events.
His lover, sitting next to him, a man in his thirties, is quieting fidgeting in his seat. His fingers clench tightly around his tea mug so hard, his knuckles are turning a dangerous shade of white and the poor tea mug looks like it might break at any time. Plagued by the hard, stone cold stares from the people sitting in front of him, he tries to relax and school his expression into a look of calmness or indifference. His act might have pass with some people but never with Kurogane, for he could see through each one of his acts and into his heart with his unwavering eyes.
The culprits of their discomfort sat directly across from the two lovers. Their actions and speech suggests total confidence and superiority, especially when they're in their own territory. And they are. The three people across from Kurogane and Fai own this magnificent and elegant Japanese mansion, in which they are currently sitting in, and the surrounding land, not accounting several renowned corporations and businesses as well as other valuable assets.
One of them, a ninety some years old man, who legally owns all of the above mentioned fortune, is glaring fiercely at the two lovers in front of him. He's clearly angry, annoyed, and dissatisfied, not to mention disgusted, by the proposal of the two.
To his right, sits his most trusted adviser and son-in-law, the father of Kurogane although they look nothing alike. Kurogane got his appearance and personality from his grandfather. He is a very intelligent man and has a quiet, peaceful personality. He looks sadly at the two, knowing the old man's decision is final.
Sitting on the left of the old man is a woman dressed in a lavishing kimono with intricate flower designs and her hair tied up in a tight bun. She's a mother of one and the first child of the old man. She cleverly covered up her age by hiring skilled makeup artists and the constant intake of anti-aging pills. She smiles coldly and triumphantly at the couple while maintaining her disguise of a delicate and compassionate woman.
These three people are the first obstacles that Kurogane and Fai need to overcome to obtain happiness and an accepted marriage. Both sides refused to back down and compromise with each other so the "friendly" although formal meeting dragged on.
"Kurogane, I repeat. I will not accept your choice of marriage partner and I will not allow you to marry this man, Fai," said the old man. Upon hearing these words, Fai's hands starts to shake and he quickly unclench his fingers around the tea mug and put them on his lap, out of sight before anyone notice them.
"Grandfather," Kurogane started, "I have chosen Fai and I will not marry anyone else." Kurogane give Fai's hand a light squeeze under the table.
"Kurogane, what parts of what I said before don't you understand?" the old man yelled, having reached the limit of his patience. His face is red and crunch up with frustration and new wrinkles. "He's a man and is ten years older than you. Moreover, you have only met each other one month ago. What would other people think? People already raised their eyebrows when I named you my heir even though you're not the first son. Are you dissatisfied with your position as my heir and the responsibilities and pressure that comes with it? You cannot be serious in choosing their man as your spouse."
"Grandfather, it never was my intention to anger you or bring shame or dishonor to the family. I am serious on this matter and my decision is set. If you cannot accept Fai, then I will resign and leave to start our life together."
"Kurogane," Kurogane's father immediately cuts in, "please reconsider or at the very least wait until Fai regain his memories."
"If you do go and marry this man, there would be no heir," added the old man.
"We can always adopt," Kurogane reasoned.
"But there's still the insecurity of whether others will accept the adopted child."
"And there's the problem of these mysterious people chasing Fai when you first met," supplied Kurogane's father.
"Yeah," snared Kurogane's aunt, Reiko. "We don't even know if that's his real name. Even Dr. Ashura said he doesn't now when this Fai will remember his past. He doesn't even have a part-time job and sits around at home all day, leeching off you. I completely agree with father that you still give your crazy notion of marrying this guy." Inside, she smirked, believing that her son now has a chance at the family fortune. And poor Fai who already lost his usual cheerful manner and grew paler from the feelings of worthlessness that washed over him.
"Aunt Reiko-"
Kurogane immediately came to his lover defense but before he could finish, his grandfather cuts him off. "Tomorrow, your fiancé will arrive from Europe. She is close to your age and comes from a prestigious family. She is a good match, or more accurately, a better match for you. You can marry and then develop a relationship afterward. That is what my wife and I did and I don't see why you cannot do the same. We will decide on the marriage date between you and her soon. You can do nothing to change our plans and if you try to leave, I will put you under house arrest. And Fai-san, this is very likely, a passing infatuation that will die out soon, do not keep your hopes high or you will be severely disappointed. That is all. You are dismissed."
"Grandfather, not everything is predestined. I believe we will have this meeting again in the near future. We will take our leave now." Kurogane have more to say but he bit back those rather inappropriate ones before they come out of his mouth out of respect for his grandfather and duty.
Kurogane helps Fai get up and on his way out, he give a low bow. Just before Kurogane slide the door shut, he heard his grandfather sigh. Kurogane's own mind was confused and frustrated but he won't give up on Fai no matter what. Even though they had only been together for one month, Kurogane knew he is the one for him.
When they came out of the mansion, both were silent. Kurogane motions Fai to get in the car and he turned the engine on. The long car ride back into the city became silent as they both submerge into their own thoughts. Kurogane uses his time to replay the past; back to the night when they first met.