author's note:
i completely forgot to add this btw! i decided to make some aqours members (mainly first and second years) as relatives of μ's. while they are part of this story, they will only have brief appearances.
Watanabe You = Minami Kotori's paternal cousin
Tsushima Yoshiko = Sonoda Umi's second cousin (Yoshiko's dad is Umi's first cousin, once removed. Or to further sum it up, Yoshiko's dad is Umi's dad's cousin.)
Kunikida Hanamaru = Koizumi Hanayo's paternal cousin
Sakurauchi Riko = Nishikino Maki's maternal cousin
of course, a reminder that this is an AU. :D i didn't want to make the third years and ruby related to anyone in μ's since the third years idolize makiumieli, and chika, well -- i decided to write it like this;
While most people assume Takami Chika and Kousaka Honoka are related, they aren't. Their parents, however, are great friends -- which is why Honoka and Chika go along with it when others think they're cousins. Kousaka Yukiho, 16 and Chika's classmate, originally didn't like it but just went along with it as well.
this chapter will act as a "filler" chapter as it seems weird to skip to kotori's 21st immediately. here, she meets monten and plans for her birthday and the media interview begin.
Responses for Reviews:
MakAndChiz: umi right now: v confident she wont fall in love umi in future chapters: shit im in love
Hiei's Curry: Already noted the related μ's and Aqours members up!
IsaiahVang: yep, in this AU!
Nitsuy: good guess ;) Vivi's reaction should be in the next chapter! Stay tunedd!
With all that said, lez go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Live.
Chapter Eight: Preparations
- it seems as though both sonoda's and minami's have something in mind for kotori's 21st. on the other hand, kotori adores the white ball of fluff in umi's residence.
"Umi-chan.."
"Hmm?"
"I'm hungry."
"Didn't we just eat?"
Kotori scoffed, puffing up her cheeks. She leaned closer to the passenger seat's door, furrowing her eyebrows.
"I don't want to hear that from someone who lives on processed food," Kotori commented.
"I have no time to prepare for myself nor do I have private chefs, Minami-san."
"Stop calling me that already," Kotori rolled her eyes, still not daring to look at the bluenette "Minami-san is my father. And besides, that isn't enough to justify that processed food is as unhealthy as, well, eating sweets."
"And you are a Minami too. As for that one, that is why I make sure to burn calories I gain, as well as have a complete set of vitamins-"
"Just call me Kotori already, like usual..!"
"Fine, fine, Kotori. We'll be arriving at the grocery soon, you know what to do."
"Be clingy to you, call you couple nicknames, etcetera, the list goes on," Kotori mimicked Umi's voice tone, smiling when she heard the bluenette chuckle "You know, I don't hear you laugh sincerly or smile sincerly often."
"Huh? I thought people wouldn't notice the difference."
"It's very noticeable.."
"Alright, we're here, let's talk about that later," Umi parked near the mall's entrance "Shall we?"
Within a few minutes, the pair gathered attention as they made their way to the mall. For one, Sonoda Umi isn't often seen outside of Arcturus and Empire premises with people beyond her friend group, and Minami Kotori grew up sheltered from the media's eyes -- any glimpse of Kotori from the past were stolen shots from when the ashen-haired would be spotted in parties and school or company premises.
Umi was careful of every step, every move she made while she walked alongside Kotori, their rings gleaming due to the flashes. Compared to Umi, Kotori didn't mind the crowd at all. She still moved freely, even waving at the people who called her name as she held onto Umi's arm.
"What are you guys here for? No bodyguards?" One questioned.
"Ah--"
"We're here to go to the grocery! And nope, no bodyguards -- I like being with Umi-chan alone. Right, darling?" Kotori looked up to the bluenette happily "Right..?"
As Kotori said the second 'right', she tightened her grip on Umi's arm, causing the bluenette to look at her in a surprised way before she answered.
"Indeed. As much as possible, we'd like to experience days alone."
"Then, is it true that you two are engaged?"
Ignoring the final question, Umi began walking towards the entrance along with Kotori, both of them purposely flashing their rings out once more.
As soon as they entered the mall, the security guard alerted the staff about Royaume's inheritor being inside the premise, which made Kotori slightly annoyed.
"Tell me why did we choose Royaume Malls again?"
"Kotori, honestly.. does it matter what mall we go to? You'll always be recognized anyway.." Umi sighed, watching her 'fiancée' pout "Anyways, we should hurry -- as much as possible, I do not like being in the same place as.. commoners, you could say."
"Ah, so you're one of those rich people, huh.. What makes us so different from them, anyway?"
"Status, blood, the typical.."
Kotori just groaned in return, making faster footsteps towards the grocery, leaving Umi to trail behind her. Once Umi noticed the crowd of 'commoners' gathering to see them, she hurried to take Kotori's hand with a smile, ignoring the latter's pout.
"Why the frown, darling?"
"Oh, I don't know -- probably because I can't believe I'll be marrying you?" Kotori sighed with a small smile "Now hurry, darling~"
Their, well, 'date' at the grocery went by smoothly and was finished within half an hour, with Umi buying canned goods and healthy snacks for herself along with food for her pet, while Kotori bought toys for Monten and of course, some candies for herself.
"Isn't that too sweet?" Umi questioned, unloading the full cart. She gave a quick smile to the cashier, who started to ring their items.
"Not as sweet as you." Kotori shrugged her shoulders, handing Umi her packs of candies and chips.
"Smooth," Umi muttered.
"A-Ah, that would be 10,524 yen. Cash or credit?"
"Cre--"
"Credit, please!" Kotori instantly interjected, handing the cashier lady her card, ignoring the bluenette who wanted to pay. She then faced her 'fiancée,' tiptoeing to pinch her cheeks "If we're buying or spending time at my company's establishments, I'll pay. If it's yours, then you pay -- Deal?"
"..isn't that a bit unfair since Royaume has more public establishments than Empire? You guys have malls and all," Umi commented, admitting defeat "it's not everyday you go to Empire's resorts."
"I still stand by my word, darling," Kotori giggled, keeping a small smile on upon realizing the staff letting out a small chuckle "I'm really sorry, my fiancée- I mean-- Umi-chan can be stubborn at times."
Whether it was an intentional one or a slip up, Umi didn't exactly know -- but it is enough to fuel up rumors even more, so let it be, she thought to herself.
"You two make a wonderful match, Kotori-sama."
"Oh, please don't use such honorifics here--"
"Thank you. Kotori, shall we? I'm a bit fatigued, you see," Umi paused mid-sentence to yawn as she took the plastic bags. Upon feeling Kotori cling onto her arm, she gave her a smile "Aren't you tired too? Should I just drop you off at your place?"
As she heard that, Kotori pouted, shaking her head no.
"I wanna see Monmon."
"The more you and the others call her nicknames, the more she will forget her name.." Umi sighed, shaking her head "Okay, we better hurry, then."
On the way back, photos of the two seeming like a loving couple emerged -- and rings were visible in said photos.
Azul Estates
As soon as Umi opened the door to her apartment with Kotori behind her, the four pound white rabbit came dashing to the door, running in circles and zooming around upon sensing Umi entering.
"Monten? Why are you out? Didn't I lock the door-"
"Oh my gosh! You're.." Kotori made her way past Umi, dropping the grocery bags and falling on her knees to pet the white bunny "..so.. adorable!"
Much to Umi's surprise, Monten didn't attack or bite Kotori -- she simply laid still and accepted Kotori's pets, even licking Kotori's hand from time to time.
"I thought you're not good with new people? Or does that only apply to veterinarians?" Umi scoffed, taking the grocery bags that Kotori left and bringing them to the kitchen counters. She took out the items, chuckling silently when Kotori followed the little bunny back to her room "Honestly.."
"Umi-chaaaan! Mon-chan doesn't like the roomba! Ah! Mon-chan, don't attack Roomba-san!"
"She has no choice but to like it, it cleans up her mess," Umi flatly responded, placing canned goods into cabinets and the canned energy drinks and such in the fridge "Could you feed her for me? It's right there, in the ceramic jar with rabbit ears. Just two tablespoons."
"Okay!" Kotori responded happily. She gave a small squeal when -- at least Umi assumes -- Monten ate the pieces of pellets from her hands "A-Ah, wait, Mon-chaaan! I'll put it in the bowl! Geez, don't bite, okay? That's not so good of you!"
"She acts like they've known each other since forever.." Umi sighed, wondering how could Kotori be so laidback when meeting new people -- not just animals, but even when she met intimidating batchmates in Arctu Academy, she was able to.. warm up to them almost instantly "Monten should be more careful and establish trust first.."
"Mou, Mon-chan bit me lightly.. well, it didn't draw blood, but that still hurt," Kotori soon came out of the room, going towards the kitchen counter with a pout "Umi-chan, why does Mon-chan have a missing piece of her ear?"
"Oh, the cropped off parts? It's said that while she was just a newborn or a few weeks old," Umi took a few more of the canned goods, placing them neatly in the cabinets "her mother got stressed and overgroomed her, causing her to bite Monten's ear slightly. It doesn't affect her health much, but she had low chances of being adopted cause of that, and cause she's the runt of the litter."
"Ah, I understand now.. Well," Kotori hummed happily as she took the toy and treats she bought for the bunny off the counter, only for Umi to hold her wrist tightly as if to stop her. Stunned at first, then irritated, Kotori glared at her "And why?"
"She bit you, didn't she? So don't give her a treat or the toy -- she has to learn she did something wrong."
"That isn't how you treat people or even pets who did something wrong, and besides," Kotori yanked her hand away, making her way to Monten's room again "Mon-chan was scared of me -- that is her only way of defense. I'd rather say sorry for scaring her than punish her for defending herself."
Umi just shook her head with a sigh, going back to organizing the items she bought. Though most of which were canned goods, canned coffee and some ready-to-drink lemonade, she also bought ingredients for basic and easy food to make, and a dozen of fruits to eat over the week.
"It would be difficult to stop Monten from being so spoiled if Kotori comes often and acts like that."
"Kotori, I'll be at my own office if you need me, you can watch something on the TV if you'd like to entertain yourself. I assume you will be okay here with Monten? Or should I place her back in her room?"
Umi felt as though she didn't need to ask that -- not when Kotori was skipping happily with Monten running after her around the house. The bluenette cleared her throat again, halting Kotori's cheerful giggles.
"Yep! I'll just head home.. possibly around four o'clock. And ehh, Mon-chan can stay with me!"
"Alright, I can go and drop you off. It'd give me a bad name if the media sees that you went home alone despite us going to my apartment together," Umi shrugged her shoulders, then bent down to give Monten a pet on the head "Be good. I'll see you in an hour or so."
Soon after that, Umi went to her office and all Kotori heard was the door shut and locked before staring at the bunny on her feet.
"Has she always been like that? Well, come here," Kotori huffed, sitting in the middle of the living room's carpet. She patted the side around her, whistling to get Monten's attention -- and soon laughed after Monten ran towards her, only to stay still on her side "Good girl!"
After turning on the television, she browsed through different channels -- the music genre playing on the music channel wasn't her thing, nor was she interested in the soap operas or cooking shows in other channels, but she came across a news channel and decided to use that as a background noise while she went on to get the snacks she bought earlier.
(Oh, and to get a few pellets for Monten behind Umi's back.)
"For our celebrity news report for today.. People have been fussing about rumors circulating two inheritors of large companies, and the brand new photos of them seen together just moments ago seemed to fuel rumors up even further. The said inheritors, Minami Kotori of Royaume Group and Sonoda Umi of Sonoda Empire, were spotted having a grocery date earlier today, still clad in their academy uniforms. Witnesses say that the two seemed like a brand new couple, and that they did not bother trying to hide the diamond rings they wear -- which were previously worn by the Empire's CEO and his passed-on wife. However, neither companies have commented on the issue."
Kotori's head instantly turned to view the television, letting out a chuckle as stolen photos of the two showed up on television. Majority of them was either Kotori or Umi being sweet to the latter, while some of them were photos of the two slightly bickering over the products they were buying. Of course, each photo zoomed into one thing -- one of their engagement rings. The next photos showed what seemed to be Umi's parents, wearing the same rings in public events.
"Yeah, let's just.. watch cartoons, no?" Kotori sheepishly smiled, sitting onto the sofa and placing a bag of chips down on the sleek coffee table. After deciding to watch Ponyo, she took Monten carefully from the ground and placed her beside her lap, petting her throughout the entire film.
Meanwhile, roughly an hour after the news
If there was one thing Umi loved the most in her apartment, it would be the fact that the walls were soundproof, thus she couldn't hear anything from the outside. Silence gave her not only the time to concentrate on her studies and responsibilities in the Academy, but also time to relax and take a few deep breaths.
Of course, that meant any small noise in the room other than the sound of her pen clicking or flipping of pages irritated Umi -- and a phone vibrating is one of them. Well, at least until Umi saw the caller's ID.
"Yes, Father?"
"Umi! Have you seen the news?"
"No, I haven't.. why, Father?" Umi's voice was laced with curiousity, raising an eyebrow. When was the last time she heard her father sound so satisfied? "Is there anything wrong?"
"The opposite. You and Kotori are doing well in this game, each movement of yours cause rumors of you two together to brew up! Excellent job choosing to go at a grocery where commoners are, Umi. Is Kotori with you at the apartment?"
"Yes, Father. And I'll be sure to drop her off later as soon as I'm done reviewing the lessons from today. Is that all you wish to tell me?"
"Ah, no. It is Kotori's 21st on the 12th of September. Kousei desires to hold a party for her -- that is where we would like you two to confirm your relationship as well. Many guests are expected to come -- some from businesses like ours, some from the industry, the works. It is highly expected that multiple media resources from all over Japan would be there to take a glimpse, especially since this is Kotori's first party opened to the public since her birth. I expect you to be at your best that day, behavior and appearance-wise."
"Of course, Father. Have the preparations began?" Umi questioned, transferring her phone from her right hand to her left so she could write down the plans for September.
"It seems so, though it's unlikely Kotori knows. It is expected that the next few weeks will be busy, and while I respect your schedule.. I need you to be there when required, even if it means dropping one thing or another from your schedule."
"Alright, Father. Is that all, now?"
"For now, yes. I will call you when I need to."
Before Umi could even utter another word, the call ended, and only a sigh came out of her lips. She gazed at her desk, satisfied that her tasks for the day were done, and went on to exit the room.
"Kotori- Monten?" Umi looked down at her feet, raising an eyebrow at the bunny who held a treat in its mouth "What are you eating? Didn't I say no more treats?"
"Eek! Mon-chan, come here..!"
Fortunately (or unfortunately?) the rabbit ran away from Umi before she could even try to pry the treat away from her mouth, leaving the bluenette shaking her head in disappointment.
"If you'd like, I can drop you off now, Kotori."
"Ehh.."
Well, it is true she has a few assignments to do for multiple classes, and she has a briefing with her father tonight.. but if she leaves now, when will she see the bunny again?
"Tu vas me manquer, lapine.." Kotori muttered with a pout, petting Monten's soft fur "I'll have to go home, too. I got a lot of stuff to do.."
"Then, let's go before it gets dark. Monten, I'll be back soon, okay? Come along, you should take a rest for now," Umi whistled, catching the bunny's attention. She made her way to Monten's room, chuckling when the rabbit tagged along and ran to the hiding spot at the corner "You were fighting the need to sleep, no? You usually nap while I sign things.."
"Was I bothering her..?" Kotori sheepishly peeked her head, giving a small wave to the bunny before Umi shut the door.
"Oh, don't worry. It seems as though she does that when she finds something or someone new interesting."
"That's a relief..!"
The drive back to the Minami Villa was more quiet -- not just because of the lack of topics to talk about, but also because..
"Huh. She's fast asleep," Umi chuckled as she looked at the passenger's seat at a red light, staring at Kotori for a while.
Her gaze soon travelled to the ring resting on Kotori's finger, and she couldn't help but frown at the idea that the engagement was possibly holding back the two of them from finding their own 'true' love.
"If it even exists," she scoffed, her eyes going back to the road as soon as the light turned green.
Of course, Umi had been in a relationship before -- whether love was involved or not was one of the reasons why the relationship fell apart. So, she had experience with others -- even if she were to end up spending her life with Kotori, she wouldn't feel as though she missed out on anything.
Kotori, though.. Umi barely heard about her from the media, mainly because everything about the French-Japanese's life was shrouded in secrecy. That's why Umi didn't even think about the possibilities of Kotori being her fiancée back then, because she wasn't so known despite Royaume being a worldwide business.
Umi wasn't one to pry in another's business, but she couldn't help but think if this engagement even brought happiness to the latter. Or, did it bring disappointment as she wished to marry someone she truly loves? Even if they end up divorcing after the contract ends, Umi's name would always leave a mark in her life.
"Why am I even worrying about her?" Umi shook her head, letting out a sigh as she followed the GPS' directions.
She ended up in a secluded yet heavily guarded area area -- where a gate with military men was.
Rolling down her window, Umi thought of waking the latter up -- but didn't bother to do so, and instead, she rolled it down enough for the military men to see Kotori fast asleep.
"I'm Sonoda Umi from Empire, I'm here to drop Kotori off at the Minami Villa."
Well, that was enough for the soldiers to open the gate, letting Umi into the secluded place that was, at first, a road with trees and shrubs around,
until finally, she found the villa resting near a large pond -- large enough to be called a lake, really. She drove up to the villa, admiring the large fountain right in front of its entrance.
"Kotori.."
"Hng.."
"Kotori.. we're here," Umi gently shook Kotori awake, and opened her car door as soon as the latter's eyes opened. She went to the passenger's seat, opening it herself and leaning close to Kotori to unbuckle her seatbelt.
"Ehh?!" Kotori blinked in confusion as soon as she felt Umi close. Even if it was for a fleeting moment, that was too close!
"You must be tired, I'll bring you up to your front door," Umi reached out to hold her hand, tilting her head to the side after Kotori exited and shut the car door "Are you fully awake now?"
"After you were that close, yes," Kotori pouted.
"Well, get used to it -- I'm sure in the future I'll be much closer to you. In bed, at least," Umi teased, earning a slap on the shoulder from the flustered bird "Kidding, kidding. Oh, come on, though -- half of the academy wishes to be in bed with me."
"I'm not part of that half!"
"Not now, maybe in the future."
"Umi-chaaan!"
"You're blushing, though--"
"It's because it's hot! Goodnight!" Kotori stomped her way to the front door, jiggling the doorknob repeatedly until one of the maids opened it.
"Mademoiselle, welcome home--"
Slamm!
Umi chuckled to herself, making her way back to the driver's seat.
"She's cute when flustered."
After putting her seatbelt on and starting the car, she squinted her eyes and furrowed her eyebrows.
"Goodnight at 5 PM?"
000000000000
"Kotori? What was that door slam for? And who dropped you off--"
"Umi-chan did! God, she's so full of herself sometimes..!" Kotori furiously responded, dashing her way to her room and slamming the door behind her.
"She is.. truly like her mother at times like this," Kousei shook his head with a sigh, making his way down the stairs and ordering the kitchen staff to prepare a cheesecake "Could be terrifying at times, that daughter of mine.."
Kousei visibly cringed, remembering the time his wife got furious, and the times Kotori would get furious.
Women of the Minami family can be terrifying, truly.
Meanwhile, in Kotori's room..
Kotori locked the door behind her, and took off the uniform jacket, untying the polo and soon unbuttoning the polo one by one as she made her way to her private bath, until..
"I'm sure in the future I'll be much closer to you. In bed, at least."
"..I hate how she's so arrogant yet charming at times," Kotori muttered, furrowing her eyebrows.
After she took a quick bath and dressed herself in silk pajamas, she was quick to finish her assignments, and spent the rest of her time in phone, comfortably resting on her bed while holding a plush tight.
She made herself busy scrolling down one of her social media accounts (a private one, with a username that isn't so obviously hers and a blank profile photo) and only paused to like photos of pets and/or dresses, until a news article caught her eye.
"Princess of Royaume's relationship with the inheritor of Empire: in rare, never-before-seen photos.'
Upon clicking on the news article, she recognized the surroundings in the photos immediately -- of course it was taken in Arcturus Academy, by her fellow batchmates.
She laughed at one of the photos, seeing Honoka give a discreet middle finger to the camera at the background.
"Kotori, dear? In a better mood now?"
Hearing her father's voice outside the door startled her, but she managed to utter a yes.
"Excellent. Meet me at my office, please. Oh, and I've asked the head-chef to make you a cheesecake -- should be finished after our briefing."
Just a mention of cheesecake was enough to lighten Kotori's mood as she made her way to the door, greeting her father with a grin.
"Cheesecake?"
"Blueberry -- your favorite. And, Kotori," Kousei walked towards his office, Kotori tagging along behind him after shutting her room's door "How was your day with Umi?"
"Ah, well.. her pet's the only great thing from the day. Oh! And the media seems highly fooled that we are really together," Kotori informed him, then cringed after remembering her conversation with Umi right outside their house "Ugh.. well, she brought me home. Said some teasing stuff. Caused me to slam the door."
"Ah, I see.. Well, be careful with the door -- wouldn't want it to get ruined again."
"Was it ever broken by someone before?" Kotori gasped.
"Well, your Grandmother Mizuki is.. furious at times," Kousei laughed, entering his office-area. He beckoned Kotori to sit on one of the sofas, then shut the door behind him "Kotori, it's your birthmonth next month and.. well, you're growing up so quickly -- it feels as though it was just yesterday that I brought you home from the hospital for the first time.."
"Dad.."
"Anyways, Kotori -- 21 is an age that is usually celebrated, and for the first time, you are celebrating your birthday here in Japan. It feels right to have your party open even to the media, right? Of course, not inside the venue, but just outside. Akira and I have discussed and thought that it would be a wonderful idea if you and Umi confirm your relationship on your special day, don't you think so?"
"Ehh? So it's really official?"
"Of course it is! Unless.. you want to back out?"
Would she, really? Kotori frowned, staring down at her lap. Saying Royaume wasn't a famous company would be a lie, but saying their company doesn't need help would be a lie as well. After all, their company was only established in 1952, it's only been half a century since then -- meanwhile, Empire has been standing tall and proud since the 1800s.
If she marries Umi, she wasn't so sure if she'd be happily married -- but one thing for sure is that it would benefit them greatly.
"Kotori.. you know, if Umi isn't your type--"
"It's okay, Dad, I'll still marry her," Kotori held her chin up with a proud smile "I can deal with her arrogance if it means Royaume can stay standing tall."
"Kotori, thank you," Kousei gave his only daughter a nod, then chuckled "Do you know you have a special guest for next month, Kotori?"
"Eh? Who?"
"Your Grandmother Mizuki is coming home to Japan for the first time in decades."
The matriach of the Minami family, the one who started it all,
Minami Mizuki is returning to Japan.
side-note:
ohohoho now how will umi react, being face to face with the founder of royaume?
next chapter would be around end of november-first week dec guys! i plan to finish baby, maybe and will focus on that story for the month of november
for now, i'd like to see your ideas about these two lol
and yes, i finished this cause i got upset by a kotohono art-
stay safe and take care!
zumizumi