Chapter 10 -
"Fiancée...?"
Today is December 23, the day after Umiya's birthday. If you're wondering what happened yesterday, here's a brief summary:
After all the council work was done, Tora invited Umiya's friends and even the council members to a birthday party for her. But there was still some time before it started, so everyone was probably out buying gifts, since Umiya got a good number of gifts. It was a regular high school party (Umiya wanted it that way), though it was held in Tora's mansion (or one of them).
Tora's parents were there, but they had work to do, so they just stayed in the way back. Actually, it was only his father, since his mother was off in Europe for some business stuff. Tora was a little suspicious, though, since his father let him have the party. Usually, he would say no, but it different now for some reason...
Back to the present, now! They were still a little tired from last night's party, so Tora and Umiya just decided to hang out in his mansion. Plus, Umiya didn't get to see much of his house, so she wanted to do that. After a tour of the house (this place was huge), they decided to have some tea in the living room. After the maids and butlers served them tea (which Umiya didn't like them doing, even if that's what they're supposed to do), the couple just sat there, talking, laughing, and smiling.
That is, until one of the butlers called Tora.
"Young master," said the butler, bowing towards Tora. "The master, your father, has requested to see you."
"Oh, he did, did he?" Tora answered. "Did he happen to say why?"
"My apologies, but he did not say such thing. He only requested to you, and only you," the butler said, bowing again.
"I see...," he said, resting his head on his hand while crossing his other arm. "Tell him I'll be there right away."
"Understood, young master."
The butler bowed to him again and left to tell the master. 'Why do I have such a bad feeling about this?' Tora thought to himself.
Then he walked over to Umiya, who was still sipping her tea. As he approached, she opened one eye to look at him.
"Umiya," Tora said. "I have to go take care of something, but I'll be back as soon as possible. So can you please stay here until I come back?"
She put down her cup and stood up to meet his eyes. She crossed her arms and said, "Igarashi, you talk to me like I'm a little child or something! I'm more mature than you are, you know!"
"Well, that may be true, but you still are a little childish, since you still call your boyfriend by his last name," he said, smiling playfully.
Umiya blushed and stuttered, "S-so w-what? I c-can't call you b-by your l-last name?"
"You can, but I'd like it much better if you said my first name! Can't you at least try?" He lifted her chin to look into his eyes. "For me? Please?"
'Damn it,' Umiya thought. 'He's using my weakness to him to get me to say his first name! I would try, but it's just too weird! I've always said "Igarashi", not "Tora"...'
"All right! Fine then! I'll try!"
He waited patiently as she tried to say it. "T... T... T-T... To...," she stuttered.
"Come on, Umiya!" he said with a smile, obviously enjoying this.
"T... T..."
Umiya then realized that she couldn't say it (yet), so with a red, flustered face, she pushed Tora to the door.
"Ah, just go do whatever it is you have to!" she yelled while slamming the door in his face.
Tora chuckled to himself. He turned to one of the maids and said, "Keep her company for me, will you?"
The maid bowed. "Yes, young master."
Then Tora left with a smile to see his father.
In the office...
"Yes, father?" Tora said, opening the door and stepping inside the (huge and kinda dark) office. "You called for me?"
"Yes, Tora," he said, looking through the blinds of the window. "Take a seat."
He did as he was instructed. Tora may have been evil and stuff before, but he always listens to his father, no matter what. If he didn't... Well, let's just say that nothing good will come out of that. His mom is very different, but that's another story.
"Tora," said his father. "That girl that you brought here, Umiya, correct?"
"Yes, father. What about Umiya?"
"She's your girlfriend, correct?"
"...Yes... Father, where are you going with-"
"Break up with her."
Tora almost choked. "E-excuse me?" he said, surprised and outraged.
"You heard me, break up with that girl. Cut all ties with her."
"C-can I a-ask why you're s-suddenly bringing t-this up?" Tora asked, obviously trying to contain his anger.
"I spoke to that company a few days ago. The one that's only second to us. They have a daughter. I've arranged it already. She's going to be your fiancée."
Tora stood up now, moving his fist in the air, showing his disapproval. "F-father! I don't want a fiancée! I already have Umiya! I'm sorry, but I can't agree with this!"
"You will!" his father said sternly, finally turning around. (But you could barely see his face, because it was so dark in there.) "You've been spoiled all your life! It's time to be of some use to me."
"Is that all I am to you? A puppet with strings that only you control? Let me talk to mother. I know that she'll agree with me!"
"Your mother's not here! So right now, I'm in charge! So you have to do what I say!"
"No, I don't! You know what? Forget this! I'm heading out!"
Tora opened the door. "Tora!" his father yelled, but he had already slammed the door.