I just realized both ch.24 and 25 had 926 words.
Sorry, random fact.
Oh, and it's going to be super dramatic and cliched from now on. Please don't mind me. I am a shoujo fan. :)
"What did you just say?" said Ikuto, narrowing his eyes. "I hope I heard you wrong."
Utau clenched her fists under the table, with gritting teeth and a sweetest fake smile she could ever put up. "Please don't joke around, father."
"I am not joking at all." Ikuto's father sliced a piece of beef and put it in his mouth. His wife took a sip from the champagne flute.
"I'm sure my sweetling understands why we must do this?" She gave Utau a gorgeous yet pressuring smile. "We want the best for the company, as well as our children. And you, Utau sweetie, are also our child. We care for you, and that's why we're doing this."
Utau choked down her tears and displayed a smiling face. "Sure."
"That's wonderful," said Ikuto's mother, chuckling. "I expected a mature response. You haven't failed me, sweetheart."
"And I never will," said Utau softly and elegantly, earning approving glances from both parents.
Ikuto took a glance at Utau, then back at his parents. He put down his fork. "I'm full. Utau, come with me."
"Ah, wait-"
"Come." Ikuto stared into her eyes, and Utau could only oblige.
"Manners, Tsukiyomi!" said his father in a dangerous, low voice. "Do not disappoint me. I'm warning you."
"Ikuto, listen to your father," said his mother in a pleading tone. "Or not he'll send you to London again-"
"Is that a threat I hear, my dear father and mother?" said Ikuto, casting a sideways glance at his parents. "I don't care. You cannot make me."
"Utau, your suitor is meeting you tomorrow!" yelled his father over to them.
Ikuto pulled Utau towards the exit and slammed the door.
Amu paced around in the park. "Why's he not coming? So late..." She anxiously checked her watch. Half an hour had passed already, and he wasn't picking up his phone. Maybe he got into a fight with his parents? He never seemed happy when he mentions about his parents...
She sat down on a bench and sighed, hoping he hadn't forgotten that they would meet tonight. Ah, what to do.
Amu felt her phone vibrate. She eagerly took it out and answered it. "Hello? Ikuto? I've been waiting for you for half an hour. Where have you been?"
"I... Sorry. I'm really sorry. I don't think we can meet up today."
"Oh." Amu's fingers clenched around her phone. "You could've told me earlier."
"Some business came up."
Amu closed her eyes and forced herself to breathe and wash away her anger. "Care to explain?"
"Not now, I'm sorry."
"Sure." Amu cut him off and stormed away towards her home. Perhaps you were right, Tadase. But I really hoped you were wrong.
Ikuto stared at his phone and sighed. Sorry Amu, I hope you understand. I'll explain everything later. He put the phone into his bag. "Well, are you okay?"
"Yes, of course I am." Utau gave him a warm smile. "Of course I am."
"If that's so, why are you trembling all over?" said Ikuto, puting a hand on her shoulder. Indeed, she was trembling so hard that she had to sit down. "Just...let it out. I can't believe my parents did that."
"You must be happy," said Utau shakily, her fake smile still plastered on her face. "You can be with Amu now. Go ahead and laugh. Leave me."
"Utau-"
"I said leave me!" she screamed, flinging off his hand. Tears streamed down her face. "Why do you have to do this to me? Can't you just leave? I don't need you to mock me now."
"Listen to me. Listen-"
"I have just been a pawn in your parents' hands! How I should've known... I, with no special position or wealth. I, whom your father had picked off the streets. I, whom originally was a filthy burglar with no talents. Now they're marrying me off... to a suitor with fame, wealth and power! Just so that their company can succeed! Oh, how foolish I've been-"
Ikuto took her in his arms and Utau froze.
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I never thought my parents would do this to you. I don't want to take over my father's business either. Him telling me that I can't marry because I had to first secure my position then find a suitable business and marriage partner does not change the fact that he doesn't consider me as a pawn anymore. He only cancelled the marriage for his company's sake. Now he's marrying you off to this company owner's son... I can't believe he's doing this to you."
"Then... then tell him you love me," said Utau, pushing away. She looked at him with pleading eyes. "Then maybe we can marry. Maybe we have a chance..."
"I can't marry you, Utau," said Ikuto firmly. "I can't."
"I knew it," said Utau, lowering her head. "Just leave. I don't want to see you right now."
A heartfelt gratitude to all my supporters. PM me if you want to chat! Also, my kik is serena_sys, so if you want to chat outside fanfiction, I'm available on the phone too. So yay, thanks, and love y'all. Bye.