My Best Friend's Secret: Ryoma Echizen
Chapter One (1)
Seven-year old Akari gasped at the structure before her. It was not a house, it was a mansion. She had flown from Japan to America but she still could not believe what was actually happening.
"Dear! Akari's here!"
Akari looked up the steps. On the bottommost step of a grand staircase was a lady in her late forties. Her hair was a shimmering blonde, framing a round face. Her slightly tanned skin was intensified by the pure white dress she was wearing. Akari took one look in her eyes and felt lost in the endless summer sky.
'She's gorgeous,' Akari thought in awe. Not much to her surprise, her husband was equally stunning.
Her uncle by blood, Yamamura Tsunashi, or Tsunashi Yamamura as his name was ordered in America, was her mother's older brother. Akari's mother had been doted upon by her brother, even after he had turned his back on their somewhat cold-hearted parents. Now, Akari would experience the same affection from her uncle.
"Ah! My niece is here!" the man with violet-black hair said, embracing Akari.
'Wow,' she thought. 'If they look this beautiful, I wonder what their son looks like!'
--
Akari's mouth fell when she was brought to the room that she was to use. It was really huge. No, it was enormous. It looked more like a condominium than just a simple room. The floors were carpeted and everything was cushioned. There was a big bed, an equally big desk, chairs fans, shelves, tables, and two air conditioning systems. A big television set sat near the entertainment and sound systems, with a small refrigerator nearby.
"Whoa…" Akari had to pinch herself in order to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
"Should you need anything, Akari-sama, feel free to call me," said an elderly man in a bowtie. He bowed and left, leaving Akari blinking.
After fixing her most treasured things and putting the books she had on the shelves, Akari wandered downstairs in time to see a boy around her age as he strode through the huge oak doors.
His hair, violet that nearly looked black because of its darkness, framed a face that was a combination of enchanting features, a stoic expression and a somewhat arrogant air. His bangs fell over his stoic eyes. He walked with so much authority and pride that maybe even older people would feel intimidated by him.
"Good afternoon Mother. Good afternoon Father," he said, bowing to Tsunashi and Arzelle. "How was your day?"
From the topmost landing, Akari watched the boy speak to her uncle and aunt. His voice was blank as his face, but it was hauntingly beautiful. It did not show much emotion but Akari had the feeling that he had more cordiality than he let show.
A wan smile formed on Akari's young face. She missed the times she used to spend with her family and parents…
"Who is she?" Akari was startled and embarrassed at the same time.
"She's your cousin," Arzelle explained. "Akari, come here and introduce yourself to your cousin."
Akari obliged and did as she was told. "I'm Akari Tezuka. Pleased to meet you."
'She speaks straight English…but she still has some accent,' the boy thought, impressed. "Ore wa Yamamura Hayato desu."
'He knows how to speak in Japanese even if he grew up in the States,' Akari thought.
Her uncle chuckled. "Go on, show off to each other. You might get along when you find out more about yourselves."
Hayato looked at his father. "Do you have any plans in mind, Father?"