Disclaimer: I don't own Hikaru no Go, so don't sue!
Warning: This is my first attempt to write a fanfic in English so please please don't be harsh on me and do read and review! I apologize in advance for any grammar or spelling mistakes.
Edited: I just realized that if Akira's surname is written as Touya with a 'u', then Hikaru's should be Shindou instead of Shindo, so I just corrected that alone with some other things. Also I've updated my profile with a fanart site that contains fanarts for this fic, so check them out!
Summary: The story takes place five years after the conclusion of the manga. Hikaru is now on the verge of winning his first title, while Akira has already become Meiji. Both are still rivals on their path to Kami no Itte – the hand of God. But their successful career is also matched with complicated personal lives.
Chapter One: Marriage Proposal
Touya Akira absentmindedly stared at the go board in front of him. He was in the middle of a shidougo, but his mind strayed from the stones on the board. Shindou would be playing his seventh game against Ichiryu Kisei right now, I wonder if he'll win. If he wins, then we'll both hold one title. Thinking back, Touya was still amazed at how quickly Shindou has caught up to him.
'Touya-sensei? Touya-sensei? There's a call for you.'
Touya jumped, staring at an official standing next to the goban. People around his table smiled at his reaction; apparently they thought that he was just too absorbed in the game. Embarrassed that he has been distracted in the middle of a game, which rarely happened him, the young Meijin raised from his seat.
'Sumimasen, please excuse me.' He politely bowed to his opponent and followed the official to the reception desk.
'Moshimoshi? Oh, mother, it's you…what? It's today?…I'm sorry, I completely forgot about it…No…no I won't be able to get away now. Next Tuesday? No, I really can't! I've got to go now, I'll talk to you later.'
Hanging up the phone, Akira signed. 'Touya sensei, is everything ok? You can leave if you are too busy. We are already glad that you showed up today.' The official asked. 'Oh, no, no, everything's fine. Please let me continue with the game.' Signing heavily again, Akira dragged himself back to his table. Great, now I have another thing to worry about apart from Shindou. How on Earth am I gonna concentrate on this game? His mind full of flashback from last Sunday's dinner, Akira winced at the memory.
--flashback--
It was the usual peaceful Sunday dinner at the Touyas. Akira sipped his miso-soup, thinking about his game against Kurata Jyuudan that day.
'Akira?'
'Yes, mother?'
'Do you remember Mr.Takayama, your father's friend? Well, we were thinking of inviting the Takayamas over for dinner next Wednesday. How is your schedule that day?'
That's strange, Akira thought, why do they want me to be there? Although still living with his parents, usually Akira was not asked to join any of his parents' gatherings or parties ever since the ex-Meiji has retired from the Go community. 'I have to be there, too?' He asked curiously.
'Err, well, Mr.Takayama's daughter, Sayu-san, is coming too. You've met her when you were small, remember?'
'Yes, but I haven't seen her since I was five.' Akira frowned, wondering why suddenly his mother wanted him to meet a childhood playmate.
'Akira.' Mrs.Touya put down her bow of rice and gazed at her son. 'Actually, we've arranged an Omiai(1) for you this Wednesday.'
'You WHAT?' Nearly choking, the young man stared at his mother in shock.
'Well, your father and I were talking about you and we thought that it is time for you to start thinking about getting married.'
'But I'm only twenty!'
'Already twenty, you mean!' Akiko scorned at her son. 'I married your father when I was seventeen(2).'
'I don't want to get married! I need to concentrate on my games, or Shindou will surpass me in no time!' Angry at his mother's sudden proposal, Akira shouted.
'That's exactly why I want you to get married! You know that I can't take care of you properly as I would be traveling with your father most of the time. You need someone to look after you, especially when you are too busy with your games. This might be too sudden, but I know you, Akira. You'll never have anytime to begin dating yourself if we don't bring this up. Plus, arranged marriage is not that bad at all! Look at your father and me!' Akiko added, fondly putting her hand on the ex-Meiji's.
'Father! You know I don't…' Completely thrown off by his mother's absurd suggestion, the young man turned to his father for help.
'You mother is just worried about you, Akira. Just give it a chance, for her sake.' Said the ex-Meijin calmed.
--back to present--
Since that conversation, Akiko has been enthusiastically arranging Akira to meet with various girls, ranging from fellow Go pro to daughters of some famous business men. So far, Akira considered himself lucky to have been able to make up some excuses and avoid all the meetings, although he's not sure if the luck would be able to save him from the next one.
His schedule was indeed empty next Tuesday afternoon, so unless he thought of something quickly he would have to give in. Knowing that his mother would be checking his timetable with the Institute, Akira was at a loss of what to do. Packing up, he decided to forget about the whole thing just for now. Shindou would be waiting for him at his father's Go salon around now since they've decided to meet up there and go over Shindou's game with Ichiryu. I need to find out the result of the match quickly. I can't be distracted by something as silly as this! Akira reminded himself.
Omiai: The first meeting between the two families in Japanese arranged marriage. If successful, the two would start dating each other.
Girls in Japan in marry when they are sixteen with parents' permission
Author's Note: Sorry if this seems a horrible start, but I promise I'll make it better! Again apologies for possible grammar or spelling mistakes (my English is poor...). Anyways, please do review and tell me what you think about it!