Chapter Twenty One

Interrogation

The next day, Takeda Ren was seated across Atobe Mitsuru with a serious look on his face. He was out with Fay planning their assignment when she said she needed to see her father, and he decided to tag along.

"It's a nice surprise to see you." Mitsuru said, looking at the young man. He was admiring him. He's got a lot of Jin's trait in him, especially the seriousness.

"Thank you," Takeda said. 'I was sorting a few things out, and decided to visit as well. After all, I'm sure that you might be worried about the trip."

Fay was in the room assessing the situation. Hmm… This is weird. It's like he's my boyfriend.

"I'm not worried at all," Mitsuru answered. "How's your father?"

Takeda straightened himself. "He's alright, doing well."

"Your mother?"

His mother? Father knows his mother? Fay thought genuinely staggered.

"Mom is mom, she has her good days," he said softly.

Mitsuru nodded, "send her my regards."

"Yes, sir," Takeda nodded. He looked at Fay, then at her father. "Please don't worry. I don't intend to do anything indecent. My best interest is my studies right now."

Excuse me? Why do you make it sound like I'm extra baggage?! She thought exasperated.

"I know, and I trust you on that," Mitsuru told him honestly.

Fay seemed surprised. He seems so serious, she thought. Why does my heartbeat fast when I see him? Am I starting to like him? There's something about him…

Mitsuru nodded. "So when do you leave?"

Takeda sat back down again, and pulled out the schedule. "Wednesday afternoon, the 4:03 PM train. Our schedule will take place on Thursday and Friday. However I'd like to request to take the train back on Sunday."

"Sunday?" Mitsuru asked, "what are you planning to do the whole day on Saturday?"

Even Fay looked surprised at Takeda's request.

Takeda rubbed the back of his head. "Honestly, since we're at Osaka, I'd like to go to Universal Studios," he admitted. "I've got some friends there so they can accompany us if Fay would like to come."

Fay's eyes shone excitedly while she nodded at her father.

Mitsuru knew Fay wanted to go. He experienced her behavior enough at Disney to know how his daughter would love to go to such a place. "You have my permission." Mitsuru answered, "By the way where are you staying?" Mitsuru asked.

Takeda browsed through his papers, "Swissotel Namba," he answered. "It's a good location and safe as well."

'You're right," Mitsuru checked something, then pulled his phone and began writing a text. "Is this your reference booking?" he asked, continuing to write his text.

"Yes."

Mitsuru waited for ten minutes while they conversed, and then received a beep indicating a new text. "I know the hotel manager. I have upgraded your rooms to a two bedroom suite. There will be no late nights in each other's room while working. You can use the living room in the suite."

Fay smacked her face. He's taking this too far. She walked over to Takeda, and looked at her father. "We should go now, you've interrogated him enough," she said exasperated. "Ren!"

Ren? Mitsuru thought. They're on first name basis? Hmm…

Takeda bowed at Atobe Mitsuru, and gave him a serious look. "You have my word," he said, then turned and left with Fay.

Just as they left, Atobe Keigo walked in. He said hello, and stood face to face with Takeda. He seemed to be glaring at him while Takeda had his poker face back on. "Fay, go ahead," Atobe said, "Give me a minute."

Fay blinked, "why do I…"

"Just go," her brother insisted. Not that I care but this guy needs to know who she is and who her brother is. We can't have her tarnishing the Atobe name by falling for some loser.

She frowned but did as ordered. Atobe crossed his arms eyeing Takeda. "There will be no funny business, Takeda Ren." The last we need is another dilemma.

Takeda raised an eyebrow. "I don't intend to, Atobe Keigo,' he said in a sarcastic tone.

Atobe seemed a bit taken aback at the way he had answered him. Is he challenging me? "I know this may seem like a golden chance for you, but try not to do something stupid. We don't like stupidity."

'I said I don't plan to," Takeda answered flatly.

"If you do, you might need rehab for your other knee soon," Atobe warned, walking away from him. Watch out. I'm not doing this for her. I'm doing this for the Atobe's.