Miki woke up as she heard Ryouji's talking on the phone while studying few papers in front of him looking very serious when she finally realised she was at his place.
Her phone rang and she grabbed her bag from the floor before aware Ryouji looking at her as she pulled the bed sheet covering her instantly at his gaze.
He smiled at her as she looked away before picking up the phone.
"Oh Hikata. What's up?", she said lazily before suddenly got up in panic.
"I'm so sorry. I totally forgot about it!.. Where I am?.. Errr.. I tell you later. Could you pass the phone to mom?", she said as she got up quickly and looked frantically for her dress when Ryouji handed it to her calmly as he stared at her.
"Mom? So sorry I didn't make it. I.. Er.. Uh...I was tired and I had a nap. Can we make it tomorrow instead? ", she put on her clothes and run her fingers through her messy hair as Ryouji watched her.
"I'm so sorry. I will definitely be there tomorrow. Ok.. Ok.. Have fun then. Tonight? I'm going home for dinner.", she said before laughing "Yes.. I'll see you tomorrow mom. Bye", she hung up as Ryouji raised his eyebrows.
She let out a big sighed. "I promised to meet up with Hikata after meeting with Seiya and you and I totally forgot about it." She said as he smiled.
"You totally forgot? It was that good huh?", he grinned as she laughed.
"It sure was", she grinned back as she grabbed her bag and saw he grabbed his keys.
"You're going somewhere too?", she asked as he nodded "I'm coming with you", he said as she looked at him in surprised.
"But I'm going home to my parents and staying over there tonight. You don't want to go there do you?", she asked as he laughed.
"I'm coming and that's final. You really think I'm letting you go anywhere without me after the way you left last time? The last time you went home you never coming back", he said as she smiled.
"Let's go then, Hyoga and mom would be happy to see you", she said as he took a few papers with him before he followed her out and tossed her the car keys.
"You can drive right? I need to read through this and get back to the office to discuss it." He said as she nodded.
"You can actually stay home and just work on this properly. I'm really not going anywhere far", she said as he shook his head.
"I'm not taking any chances. Just drive and I'll be fine adjusting to your schedules whatever that may be", he said before they got in the car and drove off.
"You do know that I'm coming back to England next week right?", she said without taking her eyes off the road.
"What are you trying to say?", he asked.
"Nothing. Just thought of reminding you that at some point you just have to let me go and trust me that I will be back to you this time", she said.
"I know. I trust you Megumi. Just don't want to spend a moment without you around till that time comes", he said as she smiled.
"Oh since you're here, I wanted to introduce you to my parents", he said as she bit her lip. The thought of it made her nervous already.
"Ah.. Can we talk about it first?", she said as she parked and he looked at her.
"Why? Don't you want to see my parents? We're getting married aren't we?", he asked as she got out the car and grabbed her bag as he follow suit.
"I know. But isn't it too soon?", she said he shook his head.
"How long do you want me to wait for you? Its almost too late instead of too soon", he said as she chuckled before stepping out the porch and smiled as she spotted her mom in the garden.
"I'm home!", she ran towards her leaving Ryouji behind as he catch up to her and noticed her mom pleasant surprise before she smiled at him.
"Megumi! When did you arrived? And its so nice to see you too Ryouji. Did you both come together?", her mom asked as Ryouji smiled and nodded.
"Look who's here and she's not alone", they both turned to find Hyoga grinned at both of them before he hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.
"Welcome home sis", he said before he grinned at Ryouji. "So you two finally catch up then?".
"We did more than just catch up", Ryouji grinned at him before he punched him lightly.
"That's too much hint for me to take", he said as Miki laughed.
"Miki, come and help me prepare dinner then. We didn't expect both of you to join us so we better make some more", she said as Miki nodded and Hyoga grabbed Ryouji's shoulder and headed for his room.
"Did you like my emails?", he grinned as Ryouji hit his back playfully.
"I could have strangled you for it that night", he said as Hyoga laughed. "Well.. Let me just say I'm glad to see you together. Is that mean you guys back together now?", he asked as Ryouji nodded.
"Even better. We're getting engaged as soon as I can buy a ring and introduce her to my parents", he said as Hyoga's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Wow! You guys are serious", he finally said as Ryouji laugh. "Since when did we ever play around. I have always been serious with her, if its not because of what happened we would hava been married by now". He said as Hyoga smiled.
"I'm really glad everything works out in the end. You both deserve to be happy", he said earnestly as they both hugged each other briefly just as Miki stepped in and grinned.
"Did I interrupt some bro-mance here?", she chuckled as Ryouji and Hyoga laughed.
"Dad's here and dinner is ready", she announced as Hyoga hugged her.
"Congrats sis! I couldn't be more happier for you", he said as she looked confused.
"I told him about us", Ryouji filled her in as he pointed at his ring and hers.
"And now its time to tell mom and dad. You guys ready?", Hyoga grinned as he stepped out of the room and as Ryouji followed Miki pulled him back making him turned to face her.
"Do we have to tell them now?", she asked as Ryouji looked at her.
"This is the second time you try to buy more time. What is it Megumi? Don't you want this?" He asked as she hesitated.
"I can't believe this", he said as he shook his head sounded angry. "I don't get you.. Just tell them whenever you please. Maybe next 6 years", he said before he turned and walked out.
"Ryouji..wait", she called but he stormed off and grab his seat before she went and saw her dad stared at her.
"Let's eat Megumi", he called as Miki took a seat next to Ryouji.
"Welcome home Megumi", Her dad said as everyone cheered.
"So when are you coming back for good? How's life there? Anything you want to tell us?", his dad said as Ryouji waited for her answers too.
"I'm coming back by the end of the year after I finish with my work placement. Everything is good. I adjusted well thanks to Hikata's family." She said as her dad suddenly look at her seriously.
"Hikata got married already. What about you? Are you in any kind of relationship?", he asked as Miki choked on her food and everyone stared at her as she grab her tea to calmed herself down before looking at her dad.
"Dad! What kind of question is that?", she protested noticing Ryouji watched her.
"Its a very normal question a father would ask. I'm starting to get worry about you. You're turning 27 this year right? Not exactly spring Chicken, Kazue. Its time for you to seriously considering settling down. How about I arrange some marriage meeting for you while you're here", he said as they all stared at him and Miki blushed.
"Dad!", she protested as Hyoga started to laugh.
"Your dad just worried you'll ended up old maid, Megumi. He's right though to be worry. Maybe you should consider his suggestion", her mum said as Hyoga laughed even louder and Ryouji looked at Miki to see what she would say.
"Mom! Dad! Please.. Can we not talk about this in front of Ryouji? You both embarrassing me!", she protested as Ryouji looked at her before he looked away. He decided not to say anything.
"Embarrassing you?", her dad stared at her before turning to Ryouji. "Isn't he's your friend? Tell me Ryouji, don't you think its time for her to settle down? Do you think I'm exaggerating to be worried?", he asked Ryouji for support as Ryouji smiled.
"I totally agree with you Ogawa-san. Its time for her to be married. Its only normal to be concern especially your daughter too stubborn." He grinned as Hyoga laughed again while Miki rolled her eyes at him. His dad nodded triumphly.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?", she whispered at him.
"So Megumi. I'll arrange some meetings for you and that's final ok", he said as Ryouji looked surprised and quickly put his chopsticks down as he looked at her dad.
"Ah, that won't be necessary. I'll marry her", he said as both her parents stared at him in disbelief.
"You what?", her dad finally said as Miki covered her face with her hands.
"I'm sorry not to tell you earlier but I'm planning to introduce Megumi formally to my parents this week and they will come to see both of you to ask for her hand in marriage formally", he said as Hyoga let out a whistle and Miki reached his hand below the table before giving it a squeeze.
"You're getting married to my daughter? Are you sure? Are you really sure you would be able to take care of her?", he asked as Miki stared at his dad. How could he even question him? Doesn't he knew who Ryouji is?
"Dad! I think you should at least get to know him first before assuming he won't be able to look after me. Don't you know who he is? He is one of the most succ..awawawa..", she couldn't finished what she was about to say when Ryouji suddenly covered her mouth with his hand as he grinned at her before looking at her dad.
"Of course I will look after her. I will try my very best to fulfilled her every need. Please let me have her", he said before he let go of her signalling her to shut up.
"Don't worry Ryouji. I do know who you are. I just wasn't sure what you're doing with my daughter. Regardless who you are, I hate to see her to be treated just like a trophy wife or a mistress in the hand of powerful man. I rather for her to marry a simple guy who could make her truly happy and that's what I mean by taking care of her. Are you saying you could do that?", her dad asked as Ryouji looked at him in the eyes.
"I can promise you I will never treat her like a mistress or anything else but my only wife. And I do mean it when I said I will take care of her if you let me. I'm very serious when it comes to her", he said as Miki stared at him. She's so touched at what he said she felt like crying.
Her dad didn't say anything as he looked at Hyoga and her mom.
"Dad, Mom.. I know I may not always know what I'm doing but I don't think I could be any happier unless I'm with Ryouji. I'm also serious about him and I know for sure he would look after me. The past years he wasn't with me he has done nothing but proved me that. I hope you both can give us your blessing", she said as she suddenly bowed at them surprising everyone in the room especially Ryouji. He really didn't expect her to say anything especially after her reluctant to announce it in the first place.
he quickly joined her and bowed his head to her parents.
"You both have mine, if only you ask me", they heard Hyoga said as Miki's dad cleared his throat.
"Get up you two. No need to do that", he said as they both looked up and saw her mom in tears as she smiled.
"I'm happy for you both. I always liked you Ryouji and I'm glad its all work out. Welcome to our family. You have my blessing for sure", she said as she hugged Megumi tightly making her cry too.
"Fine! You convinced me too. Make her happy will you?", her dad said as Ryouji bowed gratefully.
"Thank you dad!", he grinned as Hyoga laughed and her dad almost choked hearing it.
Ryouji gives a quick glance at Miki and found her winked at him as they held each other's hand tightly underneath the table where no one could see.
"I don't want to go home if you're not coming too", Ryouji sulked like a little boy making Miki laughed at the sight as they both walked out towards the car.
"I'll see you tomorrow after recording", she said as he shook his head in protest.
"The last time you were here, you ran away. Can't I crash here? We're married soon anyway", he reminded as she sighed.
"Try telling that to my dad. I will be surprise he won't take his samurai sword out and cut you into pieces if you dare", she chuckled ad he stared at her in disbelief.
"He really has a sword and know how to use it?", he asked as she nodded giggling.
"Then you should just come home with me then." He said as she laugh.
"I should really spend time with my family too. Beside, don't you need to work early in the morning tomorrow? At least tomorrow I could have a proper breakfast here with my family instead of by myself at your place", she said before he held her close as they stared at the starry night and the garden.
"I'll take the morning off then", he said as she shook her head.
"You can't do that all the time. I'm fine here Ryouji. Just go and ..", she was interrupted by Ryouji's phone which ringing as they both stared at it. Its 9 pm already. She raised her eyebrows at him as he stared at his screen and muttered a curse before picking it up.
"Ah.. Chiemi." At the sound of her name Miki stood up and walked away but he pulled her back signalling her to stay as she rolled her eyes at him.
"I'm not home tonight. So just leave and make a schedule with Arisa in regards to your upcoming promotion work. I'll make sure someone look after you." He said as he hung up.
Miki shook her head in disbelief. If only she's not here in Japan, seemed like he's going to have a busy night with her. She felt her blood boiling just thinking of it.
"Sorry about that.. I forgot that she's coming over to...", he couldn't finished as Miki walked away leaving him talking to himself before he chased her.
"Stop it Megumi. I know you're jealous but this is something that happened before I knew you would come back and you just have to give me some times to end everything", he said but she just looked away.
"Its fine Ryouji. I understand. I really do, but I just can't stand listening to it or witnessing any of it so as I give you time to end it, give me time to just deal with it, will you? I can't pretend to be ok with it so I won't. Yes I'm jealous but that's because I care. How would you feel if you come to London only to see me with different guy everynight huh?", she said as he flinched at the idea. "And then I easily tell you that's its fine and you should understand that I was lonely? Is that makes it all ok? So just let me deal with it the way I know how ok?", she said as she turned and kept on walking towards the house.
"I told you I can't sing", she sounded frustrated as she saw Seiya laughing so hard as they replay her recording track.
"Its fine. You sounded like you're about to cry. Like a first year student at kindergarten who can't see their mom", he chuckled as Miki covered her face in embarrassment.
"Is that mean you won't use it?", she asked him as he looked amused.
"Of course we will still use it no matter how you sound. Your popularity is the only reason for this demand and regardless how you sound, this thing will sell like peanuts", he grinned as Seiya nodded.
"What about Ryouji? Are you making him record Goggle Red's song too? He was a singer afterall, I bet you he would sing it well", she said as Takamura shook his head.
"The demand is not as high as yours and he's too busy making money this kind of work is no longer interest him", he said as Miki bit her lip.
"Ok, I guess that's it. You're free to go now. We'll put this into production." Takamura said as she beamed at him.
"Its nice seeing you again Ogawa! You look so pretty today. Going on a date?", he grinned as Miki stared at herself. She wore a casual soft pink one shoulder top paired with a denim short with a high knee boots and dior's saddle bag to match. She even did a soft curls to her long hair.
"Very cute look indeed just like a Barbie doll", commented Seiya as Miki smiled at them.
"Its a recording outfit", she joked as they all laughed before she gaze at her watch.
"Time to go then. Thanks for today." She bowed as both men nodded before she walked out to find Hikata at the waiting room.
"I'm all yours", she grinned as he laughed. "Don't let Ryouji hear you saying that or I'll be in big trouble". She nodded in agreement before they both laughed again.
"There's a mall nearby. Want to try there first? Where's mom and dad?", she asked as they headed to the nearest mall around.
"They couldn't make it and said they just leave it to us. They're busy catching up with relatives today beside you ditch them yesterday", he said as she hit him playfully.
"So tell me what exactly happened?", he grinned as she starts telling him about how she first came to see him and what took place afterwards as they choose baby stuff and put it on a trolley.
They're having so much fun looking at nursery accessories and cute baby clothes when she noticed a flash before they both looked up and a men approached them.
"I'm from a magazine. Sorry but I can't help noticed what a beautiful couple you both were. We normally take random pictures of couple to be feature in the magazine. Could I have your name please?", he grinned as Miki and Hikata exchanging glance before they both smiled at each other.
"I'm Hikata. She's Megu", he said as the guy jotted it down.
"Ah may I know how do you know each other?", he asked as Hikata laughed.
"He's my Karate instructor at the dojo and my best childhood friend", she smiled as Hikata nodded before the guy thanked them and left.
"For a minute I thought he knew who you are", Hikata said as Miki nodded. Its been too long. Surely people will forgot about her already.
"Let's buy this and this then", Hikata said as Miki nodded "its all so cute. You make me want to have a baby just looking at all this cute things", she sighed as he laughed.
"Don't tell me that. Tell Ryouji that. He'll get to work in no time", Hikata grinned as Miki blushed and threw him the bib that she was holding. She has told him everything that happened yesterday and now he would surely tease her endlessly.
"You're seeing him soon aren't you? What time he finish work?", he asked as she shrugged.
"I'm too scared to go to his office after yesterday. Too embarrassed actually and if he's busy working I don't really want to interrupted him", she said as Hikata smiled. "Always so thoughtful".
She grabbed her phone as she text away.
'What time you finish work? I'm with Hikata now. Let me know when you want to meet up'
She hasn't put down her phone when it blipped.
'NOW. Tell me where you are'
She chuckled at his reply before Hikata grinned at her. "Let me guess, he's coming over isn't he?"
She laughed as she nodded before she text again.
'Take your time. I can wait'
And few second after she sent it her phone rang. Its Ryouji.
"Don't play games with me. Where are you?", he asked as she laughed and told him.
"Stay there. I'm on my way", he said before he hang up as she shook her head in disbelief.
"Some people will never change huh?", Hikata grinned as Miki nodded still smiling.
"Are you really ready to be married?", Hikata asked as they waited.
She shook her head slowly.
"I'm ready to marry Ryouji that I left 6 years ago but I'm not too sure about Ryouji the successful businessman. I don't see that we're actually fit together", she sighed as Hikata reached for her hand and gave a warm squeeze.
"You worried aren't you?", he asked sounded concern as she nodded.
"Have you told him that?", he asked as she shook her head slowly.
"I don't know how to say it.. He won't understand", she said as a hand pulled Hikata's hand from hers making them both looked up to found Ryouji stood there towering them.
"Tell me what? What I won't understand?", he asked as he took a seat next to Miki and put his hand around her waist pulling her close to him making Hikata chuckled at the sight.
"Still the same hot temper Ryouji. Long time no see", he grinned at Ryouji.
"Just reminding you that you're married now and she's mine", he said nonchalantly.
"You know what? You reminded me of a dog at my neighbourhood in England", he said as Miki burst into laughter before she gave Hikata a kick under the table.
Ryouji looked annoyed "you compare me to a dog?", he sounded furious as Miki laughed.
"Ah... This dog always chasing Megumi and always kissing her and very hot tempered at others but Megumi and its owner and tried to hump her at any given chance", Hikata grinned. "Her leg..that is in case you have a wild mind", he quickly added as Miki buried her face in her palm trying her best to control her laughter.
She glanced at Ryouji's face that look annoyed at his description.
"Stop it Hikata. You're killing me", she said in between laughter as Ryouji stood up and pulled her up.
"We need to go", he said ignoring Hikata who still grinning.
"Wh..where?", she asked as Hikata paid the bill before they all walked out.
"See my parents", he said as Hikata whistled and Miki looked pale she stop laughing.
"Now? Right now? I don't dress up to meet your parents", she quickly said as he eyed her. "It doesn't matter".
"First impression does matter." Hikata said as Miki nodded in agreement.
"Maybe you could find something here to wear. I leave you both to it. " Hikata said as Ryouji nodded.
"Thanks. See you around", he said as Hikata nodded and waved at them.
Miki looked at Ryouji as he raised his eyebrows at her.
"What kind of clothes do you have in mind?", he asked her as she looked around.
"What's your parents like? Are their modern? Traditional?", she asked back as he laughed.
"I don't know and I don't really care. Its actually doesn't matter how they see you. I'm still going to marry you no matter what. But if you really insist on impressing them then let's do it your way", he said before he grabbed a very nice cocktail dress and handed to her before grabbing a pair of high heels. He pushed her towards the changing room as she got in nervously.
Somehow shopping with Hikata or Hyoga was very relaxing and casual but with Ryouji, it made her nervous.
She stared at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly as well as the shoes and it matched nicely too. She doesn't appear trying too hard but also just elegant enough to be taken seriously.
Ryouji couldn't take his eyes off her as she stepped out of the changing room. It almost made him pushed her back inside the changing room and have her right there and then.
She smiled at his reaction. "I hope your parents will like it as much as you do. I'll take this then", she said as she went back in and just realise the price after she got changed to her own clothes.
She checked the price for her shoes before realising she will need to max out her credit card. Next to Toei's studio, its not a surprise its one of the posh mall.
She let out a big sighed as she walked out and headed for the counter but to her surprised they told her to put it on straight away and that its been paid.
She stared at Ryouji who sat not far from there before she walked towards him.
"Why did you pay for it? I'm buying it", she said as he smiled. "Just get change so we could go. They're waiting for us and you should really get used to it. I'm going to be your husband remember?", he said as she closed her eyes before she turned to get change again.
"You look beautiful Megumi. No need to be so nervous. Just be yourself", he said as he stopped the car in front of a very big house with big gate and garden as the gate opened automatically and they drove in.
She took a deep breath at how different their houses were as if reminded her just how different their world are. Silently she thank Hikata for giving the idea to buy some dress there. She can't imagine if she's coming with what she wore today.
Ryouji held her hand as they stepped out the car. They just entered the house when suddenly something running towards her and jumped at her making her scream in surprised before feeling something slobbers on her face.
"Ryouji!", she held the furry puppy before she put him down and sure enough he started humping her ankle as she laughed at the sight before Ryouji pushed the puppy away.
"Ah ! Megumi! Its you! What a pleasant surprise. Sorry about Ryouji. He probably missed you", she turned to see Hitomi ran behind the puppy and stared at her in surprised as she bowed slightly.
"Hitomi-san", she greeted as Ryouji stared at them both speechless.
"You both know each other?", he stared at them both as they both smiled towards each other.
"She's the girl I was telling you about and she's the reason I came back too. She actually insist for me to come back here." She said before turning to her "How do you know Ryouji?".
Miki chuckled as Ryouji shook his head in disbelief at what he heard so far. "Let's all go inside and sit down properly. I need a drink to hear all this", he said as his mom nodded in agreement.
"You know my mom and you didn't even tell me?", he whispered at her as she blinked hard. She didn't know what to say. She has lost contact with Hitomi ever since she handed her Ryouji's contact and wasn't sure where she was.
They all sat in a very nice living room overlooking the garden and everything there look too expensive she worried she might damage anything just by looking at it.
"I have no idea you two know each other", Hitomi said as Ryouji looked at Miki.
"I have no idea you two know each other either", he said as she smiled.
"I met Hitomi-san in England actually thanks to Ryouji here", she said pointing at the puppy that curled up next to her feet.
Ryouji rolled his eyes "Stop referring the puppy by my name. Its not funny. There's only one Ryouji here", he said as both Hitomi and Miki giggled.
"Ah, after I met Ryouji, we decided to stop calling the puppy by his name. Its Yoichi now", Hitomi chuckled as Miki did too.
"Yoichi just fell in love with her on a first sight and always so happy to see her and that's how we get close with each other. Everytime I went to the park near the lake, we would bumped into each other and just become friends. She's a really lovely girl and a day after your birthday I was just get emotional and poured out to her and she suggested I went back to find you and the rest is history", Hitomi explained as Miki smiled recalling those times. Its been a while and she almost forgot about it.
"I had no idea Hitomi-san was your mom until she told me her story that somehow reminded me of yours. And she told me her son actually named Ryouji", she said as Ryouji said nothing.
"And how do you know Ryouji?", Hitomi asked as Miki suddenly blushed before Hitomi covered her mouth as if putting everything together.
"He's the love of your life..", she said out loud as Miki blushed even more and felt Ryouji smiled at the remark.
"So you told my mum about me huh?", he smiled as Hitomi shook her head slowly while Miki busied herself with her ring on her hand.
"She didn't but she did relate to my feeling of regrets leaving the person I love behind. So I guess she must have been thinking of you then. I'm glad you came back too then", she said as Ryouji moved and sat next to her putting his hands around her just as his dad entered the room.
The way his dad eyed her made her nervous all of sudden. He took a seat in front of her next to Hitomi.
"Dad, this is Megumi Ogawa, the girl I wanted you to meet", Ryouji said as he nodded.
"So you're the girl that holds responsible for Hitomi's return to Japan and Ryouji's major changes huh?", he said meaningfully as Miki bit her lip slightly before she smiled at him.
"Who would have thought a girl like you would have such a big impact in Akagi's household. I'm impressed. So tell me about yourself Ogawa. What do you do and what do you see in Ryouji", he said as she looked at Ryouji for help before bracing herself.
"I'm actually still studying at the moment. I will finish my course by the end of the year so I'm not working just yet." She said as Seiji Akagi looked amused but said nothing.
"I met Ryouji a while ago when we both were filming Goggle V." She added as Ryouji smiled at her obvious nervousness.
"What about your parents? What do they do for living?", he said as Miki closed her eyes as she anticipated this question already.
"Ah.. My dad is actually works for the postal service while my mum work on a nursery." She said suddenly feeling so small but Ryouji just squeeze her hand trying to calmed her. There seems to be a long silence before his dad suddenly look at them both.
"So from what I understand, you both decided to get married. You both realise what you're in for? Have you both really think this through?", he asked as Ryouji nodded and Miki slowly nodded too.
"In that case, Megumi.. Why don't you come to my study and we'll talk in private." He said as he stood up and Ryouji quickly stood up as Miki did too.
"Ah.. Ryouji, just stay with your mom will you. Its just few things I want to talk about with her. It won't be long", he said as Miki nodded and smiled at Ryouji. "I'll be fine" she said softly as she followed him to his study.
Ryouji watched them feeling slightly worried as his mom smiled. "She's a lovely girl. If you didn't knew her already I was thinking of introducing you two. I'm glad she's the one", she said as Ryouji smiled.
Yoichi barked at the closed door as Ryouji wondered just what his dad trying to do. He felt uneasy as he stared at the closed doors.
"Have a seat, Ogawa", Seiji said as she did.
"First of all, let me thank you in person for convincing Hitomi to return to Japan. Its been too long and I never thought she would eventually came back and now that I learned she had the courage to come back thanks to you, I can't thank you enough". He said as she smiled.
"I didn't do anything. It was her decision", she said modestly.
"Put that aside, I want to know just how much do you actually like Ryouji", he said as she blushed at the direct question.
"Don't get me wrong, he is our only son afterall and by now you should have known and realise just who you're about to get married to. He's not just an average guy you meet on the street. He's the only heir in the family and one day Mizuho corporation would naturally be his too. Even without it, he's making a name on his own. Something that I had never expected of him", he said as Miki took a deep breath. She sensed where this conversation leading to so she just nodded and said nothing.
"He got ambition just like me and I've seen how he could easily influenced by woman in particular, you. And that is something that can be very powerful and dangerous at the same time", he continued as Miki looked at him starting to feel her blood is rising up.
"So let me ask you again. Exactly what do you see in him and do you think you can keep up with my son?", he said as Miki stared at him in disbelief.
"What are you trying to say?", she said challenging him making him chuckled.
"You're not the only woman trying to marry him or showed interest in him. You must know that right? And I know he love you too much but I'm not him. I'm more realistic. I just want the best for him, surely you can understand that", he said as she nodded.
"How do you proposed for me to prove you I love him for the man he is and not who he is or what he has and what's attach", she said as he smiled.
"You sure a brave woman to actually say that to me. its no wonder you're stood out from the rest." He said as he opened his drawer and pulled out few papers.
"I have prepared this with our family solicitor for a time like this. Its basically a prenup agreement where you would agree to received nothing should your marriage to my son fall apart. Not that I hope it would but its necessary to protect him. Are you going to be ok with that?", he smiled at her as she stared at the paper in disbelief.
"Feel free to read it through and even take it home with you and have a think about it. Its one of many ways to prove that you're after his heart and not for what he has. Afterall, isn't that what you said before?", he looked at her meaningfully as she nodded and grabbed the paper.
"I don't need to read them. Just give me a pen, I'll be more than happy to sign it. I never believe in depending my life and future in anyone else's hand but my own nor I need a man to take care of me. I see marriage as finding a good companion that I can't live without to go through life and grow old together not based on their bank balance", she said as she extended her hand towards Seiji. He looked amused at what he heard before he reached for a pen and gave it to her.
"Great answer. You're a wise woman, Ogawa", he said as she ignored him and search through the papers for the sign marks when suddenly a hand grabbed the pen off her hand abruptly making her looked up to find Ryouji stared at her before he threw the pen on the floor so hard it broke into two.
"What do you think you are doing?", he asked her sounded mad before he looked at his dad. "What's the meaning of all this?", he shouted angrily before he pulled Miki's hand making her stood on her feet as he pushed her behind him.
"How could you do that behind my back? She will sign nothing and don't you dare question her motive to marry me", he said furiously as he took the papers in front of him and shredded it into pieces before throwing it on the floor.
At the sight his dad stood up and looked just as furious.
"Ryouji! Since when were you there? And I did it for your own good. You don't let a woman blinded you, ever!", Seiji said furiously as Hitomi appeared at the door after listening to the shouting.
Miki stared at Ryouji who looked so scary and so angry she didn't dare say anything.
"Oh.. I heard more than enough. I brought her here to introduce her out of respect to my own parents but if only I know this is what you have in mind, I wouldn't even bother. She will be my wife whether you like it or not and whatever I have will be hers too and you don't have the right to make her prove her love to me. I'll be the judge of that", he said as his dad suddenly came towards him and Miki winced and heard Hitomi gasped as he slapped Ryouji across the face loudly.
"What an idiot!", he spat angrily. "Before you think you're decision doesn't involve anyone, think again! You're the only Akagi after me and that made you my sole heir. You have the whole corporation future in your hand and should something happened in the future, the company and all its employee is at risk just because you're too blind to see the importance of that paper that you just shredded to pieces. Do you think this is a game?", he shouted as Hitomi looked at Miki and their eyes met. She saw Hitomi almost in the verge of tears before she looked at Ryouji who's too stunned to say anything back.
"Woman can easily come and go, you should know that. She left you before, didn't she? Look what Ryoko did and even your own mom left at some stage. We're both alike Ryouji, I'm just trying to protect you from getting hurt in the future." He said as Miki reached for Ryouji's hand.
"Its fine, really. I'm willing to sign it. Its not a big deal. I want nothing from you anyway", she said to him but he ignored her as he turned to his dad holding her hand tightly.
"You can scrap me out of the family will is that's what you really worry about. I want nothing to do with it. But I'm not going to marry her without sharing everything that I have no matter what you said." He said as his dad stared at him in disbelief at what he heard and heard his mom broke into tears at the tension between them.
"Just understand this. You and I, we're never the same. I'm not you, dad. You were too blind to see what's important and busy chasing your own dreams you lost it all. Mom didn't leave you because she didn't love you enough but because you failed to protect the woman you love and failed to see what's important in your life to take care of it. You even failed to protect me and again too busy taking care of things that you think are more important.. The company." He said.
"I'm different from you dad. I know a diamond when I see one. I know what's important to me. I can have all the money in the world but that's not what matter to me. She is. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. She worth more to me than anything else so if you think I'm stupid, think again. At least I'm man enough to keep my woman next to me and will make sure to look after her and protect her. She didn't leave me because she didn't love me or because I'm too busy in my work that I neglected her and now that she's back she won't go anywhere. I won't let her. And unlike you, I made sure she knew how I felt and will always try to protect her from others trying to hurt her. You let Ryoko hurt mum to a point she just can't take it anymore and you're not even there for her when she needed you the most. You doubted her love and you shut us out trying to make money for what? For who?" He said as Miki cried hearing it.
"Stop it, Ryouji! Its enough", Hitomi finally said as she came and stood between the father and the son.
Seiji just stared at him speechless until Ryouji grabbed Miki's shoulder.
"I'm sorry its all turn out this way. Its my fault to even come here. We won't be staying for dinner after all. Sorry mom. I'll come some other time", he said as he turned and dragged her with him.
"Ryouji!", they heard his dad called after him but he just kept on walking even when Miki tried to stop him, he just pulled her along until they reach the car.
He looked so furious they just sat there in silence as he drove very fast.
"Ryouji, you need to slow down", Miki finally said as they passed another red light and she saw a pedestrian run for his life at the sight of their car coming towards him. She looked at him but its as if he's in his own world.
"Ryouji!", she said louder startled him as he adjusted his speed before she patted his back. "You need to calm down, ok. Its no point of speeding if we both ended up in hospital", she warned him as he nodded finally and squeeze her hand looking for support and she gave held it gently.
"I'm sorry Megumi. I didn't think he would do such thing. I'm so sorry", he said finally breaking the silence just as they hit the freeway.
Miki shook her head as she kissed his hand adoringly. "It not even your fault. He just got your best interest that's all. Its actually quite normal. I was worried about but at least now its all out in the open", she sighed. "I just wished it differently".
"What do you mean?", he asked as she stared out the window.
"Just wish I'm rich and you're poor", she said when he suddenly laughed.
"Do you prefer I have nothing?", he asked as she nodded instantly.
"At least that way we're both equal just like how we first started", she said as he smiled.
"Don't worry Megumi, I know you never think of me that way. You're way too stubborn even to let me pay your ramen. And I can't imagine if you're rich and I had nothing, I'll be so dead", he laughed and she finally giggled at the thought.
"What would you do if only your dad is the one grilling me and you're better off? Would you still marry me even if I have nothing to look after you?", he asked as they reached the basement.
"Let see... If its my dad who opposed, I would take you on a next flight to vegas and married you at the next available spot and we move to england and live happily ever after", she giggled at her own joke but Ryouji didn't laugh. He just stared at her for a minute as he turn off the car and got out before she followed him.
"Ryouji.. I was just joking", she said as he put his hand around her waist.
"Let's do that then. Get your passport ready, we're getting married today", he said as she chuckled at his seriousness.
"Ryouji, didn't you hear me? I'm joking!", she said as they got on the lift.
"Well..I'm not!", he said.