Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Maid Sama series. I apologize for how short it is. Enjoy!
When golden eyes met amber, the amber eyes didn't flinch, only staring blankly back, almost as though peering through the owner of the golden eyes as if he didn't exist. No one but Igarashi, Usui, and Misaki felt the increased tension in the air.
"We hope that the Igarashi Foundation will continue to work with the Walker Corporation in harmony, as we have always done," Gerard said cheerfully. But Takumi knew the intent behind his half-brother's honeyed words.
The Igarashi Foundation had been reported to be sneaking around the Walker Corporation, hoping to find an opportunity to sneak into the market that the Walker Corp. dominated. The two conglomerates had made a vow years ago to stay out of each company's respective markets but with such reports coming in, no doubt Gerard would want to keep a close eye on the Igarashis.
But another matter occupied Takumi's mind. Though Ayuzawa was behind him, he could see her reflection in the mirrors that lined the grand hall of the castle. She looked composed, coolly gazing back at Igarashi, but no doubt seething behind her facade. In return, Igarashi no doubtedly had not expected to see Ayuzawa, judging by the slight flash of shock on his face before that bastard concealed his composure.
"Well, I'll have the maids show you all to your rooms so you can drop off your things before dinner. Takumi, Tora, why don't we go talk in my office?"
Misaki's room was just like the rest of the castle, large, cozy, and luxurious. The windows were closed, but the red velvet curtains were pulled back to expose the rose gardens below. They weren't in bloom unfortunately.
Misaki sank into the warm bed. She wasn't expecting to see Tora so soon. Fujimoto-san had e-mailed everyone the guest list, and the name Tora Igarashi had stuck out like a sore thumb. She had prepared herself to see him at the ball to avoid him at all costs. The universe had a way of messing with you.
Her feelings were all mixed. A quick surge of hatred had risen up when she had seen him. But as quickly as it had risen, that feeling ebbed away to a feeling of sadness and emptiness. Her mother had told her never to blame someone else for a problem because it wouldn't help to resolve the problem. Minako had told her that when her father left the family.
Yet, Misaki couldn't help but blame Tora for the past two years of having to service men.
But her mother was right. She should move forward. Tora was in the past. Dwelling on the past wouldn't help bring her family out of their situation.
She had to move forward. She had a new job, a job that she could talk about properly with her friends.
She had to move forward.
Takumi tried to get out of the meeting as fast as he can before Gerard or Tora could stop him. Tried being the main keyword. Unfortunately, the Igarashi heir seemed to be anticipating his move.
"Usui."
"You look like you have something to say, Igarashi." Takumi didn't know how, but he managed to keep the coldness out of his voice.
Igarashi stalked towards him, before leaning against the wall. "That woman, Ayuzawa Misaki. I thought you said last year that you wouldn't bring females on your team."
Takumi considered that. That one woman from the PR team that he had fired was there last year. Complaints about her work ethic was raised and he swore that he wouldn't bring that female again. "No, just that one woman from last year. What does it matter to you?"
"That female employee, Ayuzawa." Igarashi kept his composure. "Do you know about her?"
"Shouldn't any good CEO know about the kinds of people he or she hires?" Takumi said boredly..
"So you do know about her and her past," Igarashi pressed. His golden eyes glinted in the light, carefully searching Takumi's face.
"I'm never one to choose people based on their past. It's about the things they do in the present and the potential they have for the future." After all, he had left his own dark past as an illegitimate child. "May I suggest you keep your attention away from my employees, particularly the females? We don't want another scandal on our hands, don't we?" With that Takumi left Igarashi in the hallway.
He didn't catch the small smirk that developed on Tora's face.
