Chapter Nine

Family Outing

"You know," Fay said. "I just realized something. How come you're not seeing anyone?"

Mitsuru almost choked on his food when he heard that while Atobe looked at his sister incredulously. Why the hell would she ask such a question? Atobe thought annoyed for being in the middle of this conversation.

"I mean, you've been taking care of Keigo and me for years with no woman in your life. Isn't there someone you like? You're not too old to date, you know," she remarked.

Mitsuru chuckled. "I've been with two women seriously in my entire life, and both of them were a handful. I'm comfortable the way I am," he answered.

"Don't change the subject," Fay scolded. "You don't feel lonely?" she asked.

Atobe looked at his sister. "That's enough, Fay." What an idiot. She should know better than to ask her father such a question. Hell, she shouldn't even be asking me such a thing?!

Mitsuru looked at his son, and then answered Fay. She's free to ask," he said. "Seriously. I am not interested in having a relationship. I have other priorities at the moment and…"

[Tweep]

Fay looked startled when she heard that. She looked around the table, and realized that the sound was from her phone. She looked for her phone in her Chanel and pulled it out. It was a text from Takeda.

Message

Takeda Ren

Edit

Call

Facetime

Contact
→

I've worked on the intro, and strategy. I'll need you to analyze the charts for the next class. Let me know if you need anything else. Will send it via email in a few minutes

Fay texted back an Okay, and placed the phone back in her bag. She looked up, and found both her father and brother looking at her. Her father looked curious while her brother had a poker face.

"A friend?" Mitsuru asked casually.

Fay looked annoyed. "You're dying to ask, aren't you?"

"Then don't keep in suspense," Mitsuru said in a chuckle as he sipped his soup.

Fay wanted to stall, and not say anything but knowing her father he would be able to extort the information in any way he could. "He's a sophomore in my management class. My partner for the semester's class project."

Mitsuru nodded, and noticed Fay resumed back to her eating. "He? Interesting. You missed the best part, love."

Fay's mouth formed into a thin line and she glance at her elder brother who had an obvious smirk on his face. She shook her head, gritted her teeth then finally spoke. "His name is Takeda Ren," she finally said.

"Takeda?" Mitsuru asked, slightly surprised. Maybe Jin's son? "That's interesting. They actually live down this road. You know they're actually quite well off," he said.

Takeda? Atobe thought, trying to recall the names he knew through his head. If I recall correctly, I think he is in one of my classes. I don't remember what he looks like thought… I never thought she'd do a project with a guy… She doesn't seem like she can handle herself.

Fay didn't comment.

Mitsuru picked up his glass of water, sipping it casually and looked at his daughter, "and umm… if I recall correctly, you said your boy needed to be hot. Did he pass the hot test?"

Fay slammed her fist on the table. "Stop it, father! It's embarrassing. I don't think of Takeda that way," she said heatedly.

"Not very ladylike, Fay," Atobe said when she slammed her fist. Then he moved his head towards his father, 'and seriously, should you even be asking your daughter if a boy was hot or not? I find it embarrassing…" he said in an irritated tone. What a dilemma. I really don't need to know if she finds someone attractive or not… Argh! Kill me now…

Fay glared at him, "He's right! You shouldn't be asking such a question" she exclaimed, and then it was her turn to look at her brother. "And you! No one asked you to defend me!"

"Over my dead body I was defending you," he muttered.

Fay glared, "then you shouldn't have said anything."

Atobe glared back. "I'm on this table, and listening to you babbling about crap. I have every right to interfere. You think I LIKE listening to your stupid details…"

"You're being rude!" Fay interrupted.

"I'm being…"

"Enough!" Mitsuru said, stopping them from arguing. I should've never asked such a question, he thought regretting his actions. "I'm sorry, Fay. I didn't mean to embarrass you. However, if you're to spend time with Takeda outside of campus because of your project, I still need to meet him," he stated.

"Argh! I know!" she said, leaning against her chair.

Mitsuru was starting to worry a bit now. He noted that Fay was really just focused on her studies. Other than having family dinners, she really did spend most of her time at home. I wonder if she made any friends. Even though I've allowed her to date if I meet them first, I really haven't seen her go out.

Fay excused herself to go to the washroom.

Mitsuru looked at his son. "Does she have any friends?" he asked.

Atobe paused, but answered carefully. "I wouldn't know," he said. "Although, I've overheard a couple of guys in my class ask her out, but the minute she says they have to meet you first, they totally make some excuse and run off."

Mitsuru looked surprised, "oh, and do you think it was harsh of me to impose that?"

"No, it wasn't. She's an idiot. All the guys that asked her out were cheap bastards that wanted the money that came with her name," Atobe answered. As much as I hate it, we don't exactly want her dating someone who would take advantage of the family name.

Mitsuru smiled, "I find it interesting that you're thinking of her welfare."

"She holds the family name, it doesn't matter who she is." Welfare? What fucking welfare? I just don't want some loser, or an ass as her future boyfriend who's constantly in our presence.

Mitsuru was disappointed in his son's answer and was about to remark to it, but Fay showed up. "Are we done probing into my personal life?" Fay asked.

Mitsuru thought carefully. "I'm changing the subject for now. I was thinking why don't we go to the beach house next weekend? We can get some fresh air." If she doesn't go out on her own, maybe it's time I do it for her. "We can invite some friends for a barbecue."

Atobe pulled out his phone and quickly scanned it. "I'm actually good for it. I don't have any assignments or exams. I don't have plans either."

Mitsuru looked at his son. I'm surprised he jumped and said yes. Unless… He turned to look at his daughter, "and you?"

"I'm fine," Fay muttered. Argh! That means I have to buy a swimming suit. I don't even remember when the last time I wore a swimming suit was.

"So it's final, I'll have the help plan it. I'll leave the invitations to my secretary," Mitsuru said. They finished their meal, and got up to leave. Fay walked ahead leaving her father and brother behind.

Atobe walked next to him. "I'm only in because I know you're planning something," he said with a grin. Knowing father,' he's probably going to dig all the information he can out of the boy. I don't need some idiot hanging out with us that will tarnish our name.

Mitsuru sighed wryly. I really thought he's changed, he thought. Takeda? Again, it could be Jin's son. The name does ring a bell.