Chapter 11
The Grandfather
Previously:
"I don't see any point in you waiting. You could get married at the end of the school year and before you both go to university. And this thing with your grandfather…" He was interrupted as the door to the dining room swung open abruptly. "Midori!" Oji-san was instantly out of his seat and greeting the woman that looked so much like Kei that Hikari had to keep looking between the two.
Returning to the story:
"Mother, what are you doing back from Australia?" Kei stood from the table but didn't run to the woman.
"I heard my eldest son has finally gotten himself a girlfriend. I'm quite offended to know that you didn't think this was worth a call, Kei."
"You're busy; I didn't want to disrupt you."
"Nonsense. You are Hikari-chan aren't you?" Midori stepped forwards and addressed her.
"Yes, you are Kei's mother then?"
"I am. I live in Australia to take care of the Takishima Group over there. Is Hikari-chan staying the night, Kei?" the blush that flustered over the bridge of Kei's nose was only faint but Hikari noticed it.
"No, she's not."
"Well then, call her parents. I intend upon taking Hikari shopping tomorrow and it'll be much easier if she's already here."
"There's really no need." Hikari exclaimed, shocked at the turn of events.
"Yes there is. Kei will never let me buy him anything; I intend to thoroughly spoil you with gifts." Hikari couldn't help it, her mouth dropped open and she stared at Midori.
"But-"
"Hikari. Let my mother take you shopping." Hikari looked around, searching for support and instead saw all three Takishimas staring intently at her, their eyes showing their expected positive answer.
"I guess I have no choice." She smiled at Midori. "Thank you for letting me come with you." Midori looked at her weirdly for a second before smiling softly in return.
"You're welcome. I can see why Kei likes you so much." Dinner passed by quickly after that, Sui came back down after finding out that his mother had come to visit and both Midori and Sui sat down for dinner. As soon as he had finished, Oji-san called Hikari's parents and ensured that she could stay in one of the guest rooms.
As Hikari was walking to her room to go to sleep, she noticed that Kei was leaning against the frame of the door. Feeling guilty for not saying goodnight, Hikari checked there was no one in the corridor and rushed towards him, kissing him quickly before he had time to react. He looked at her slightly surprised before his expression morphed into a smile and he curled his arm around her waist, pulling her into a hug.
"Are you okay with staying here tonight, Hikari? You don't feel awkward, do you?"
"No. Why? Should I?" The chuckle of his response vibrated through his body.
"No, of course you have no reason to feel awkward here." He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear lovingly. "However, you may do if I stay here with you much longer." He pushed her back slightly and kissed her deeply, running his tongue over her lower lip and crushing her body against his. Hikari could feel his body straining against hers to maximise the contact between the two. Wanting to tease him, Hikari bit on his bottom lip and dragged it away from his teeth, causing him to hiss and moan, taking advantage of the situation, Hikari flicked her tongue against his, earning another groan. Just as she felt his body tensing and rubbing absentmindedly against hers, she pulled away quickly, leaving them both panting lightly.
"Goodnight Kei." Before he had time to process what had just happened, she was gone, leaving him leaning heavily against the wall, confused and aroused.
"Minx." He breathed before pushing off the wall.
~[x] Whilst shopping
"How about this dress, Hikari-chan?" Midori seemed to be in her element, amongst rows upon rows of clothes racks with a long line of shop assistants there to help her. Hikari looked at the red dress that Midori was holding up and considered it.
"Isn't it a bit… short?" The dress was far shorter than Hikari normally wore and she wondered when she'd ever have occasion to wear it.
"Oh well, let's get it anyway." She passed it over to the closest shopping assistant and moved onto the next article of clothing whilst Hikari browsed another rack. "Hikari, I'm so glad that you and Kei are together. He needs someone to make sure he has fun every now and again. My only concern is his grandfather."
"His grandfather? Why?" Midori looked up at Hikari, surprised.
"He hasn't told you?" She demanded, appalled. Knowing this was a delicate topic, Midori asked the assistants to start boxing up their purchases. "I'm going to kill him. Kei's gone to London. He left this morning after breakfast." Hikari gaped at Midori, not knowing this.
"What? Why?"
"His grandfather is pressuring him to attend a marriage interview – he wants Kei to find a rich heiress to further the company." Hikari gaped, feeling her heart beginning to ache.
"W-why?" Her voice had lost its strength and her shoulders had slumped slightly. Had she not been a good enough girlfriend? Had he gotten bored of her already?
"Hikari-chan, calm down! He doesn't want to go to them, he's gone to London to tell his grandfather that he won't be attending any marriage interviews and that he has a girlfriend." Midori's words soothed Hikari slightly but the ache in her chest had only lessened slightly. If Kei's grandfather wouldn't accept them then what chance did they have together? Ignoring these pessimistic thoughts, Hikari remembered that Kei wouldn't be happy with her if he knew she doubted his steadfastness. Somehow they'd find a way through whatever hurdles Kei's grandfather faced them with.
