*Time Skip Five years*
It has been five years since I returned to school after my cousin's death and ended my reclusive lifestyle. A lot has changed since then. I finished high school in a year and a half, and it took me four years to complete college. Finally, today is my graduation day.
As I stand among my fellow graduates, waiting for my name to be called, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see my parents, Naoko and Kenichi, beaming with pride.
"Subaru, we're incredibly proud of you," My mom Naoko exclaims.
"You've worked hard to get here, son. Now, you can assist me at work," My dad Kenichi adds with a grin.
"Thank you, Mom and Dad. I couldn't have done it without your unwavering support," I reply with heartfelt gratitude.
The moment arrives, and I hear my name being called out.
"Natsuki Subaru."
I walk up to the stage, and the presenter hands me my diploma. A surge of pride and accomplishment envelops me, leaving me overjoyed.
After receiving my diploma, I return to my waiting parents.
"Thank you, Mom and Dad," I say as we embrace.
"My son is all grown up now," my mom remarks with pride and nostalgia.
"You bet," I reply with a grin, feeling happy to have completed my studies.
After the graduation ceremony, my mom, dad, and I headed out to celebrate. As we rode in the car, I couldn't help but wonder what my next step should be.
I thought about taking a break for a while. After all, school had been tough, and I deserved a break. Maybe a year off to explore my interests, like birdwatching. I had always dreamed of breeding birds since my college days, and now that I had the time, why not give it a try?
But then, the thought of going straight into the workforce crossed my mind. As an economics graduate, my dad had promised to help me get an entry-level consultant position in his company. The pay was good, and I could use the money to buy the things I wanted. It was a tempting offer.
Suddenly, my dad interrupted my thoughts.
"Son, I think it's time for us to have a family chat about what comes next," he said, his voice serious.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. Were they going to pressure me into finding a job and contributing to the family? It was the responsible thing to do, but it would also mean putting my hobbies on hold.
"Is this about me finding a job?" I asked nervously. "Don't worry, I'll apply next week." I forced a laugh, trying to hide my unease.
"It's not about that, Subaru," my dad said, reassuringly. "While it would be great if you wanted to take the job I offered you, it's not a requirement. If you need a break, take one. It's important to take things slowly and at your own pace."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. So, it wasn't about the job. But then, what was it about? I couldn't help but feel curious about what my family had in mind for me.
"Ok then, what is it, Dad?" I asked curiously, looking up at him in the rearview mirror.
"You see, Subaru," my mom began to explain, "your dad was offered the position of COO in his company, but he has to oversee a merger."
My heart skipped a beat. This was unexpected. My dad, Natsuki Kenichi, had been working for Kira Group Corporation, a giant tech company that produced some of the most advanced gadgets in Japan and Southeast Asia for almost two decades now. He was currently the regional manager, and I had always thought he would make it as a junior executive. But this? This was big.
"Whoa, Dad, you're going to be a COO now? That's cool!" I exclaimed happily, feeling proud of my dad's achievements.
My dad, however, didn't seem as thrilled. "Yeah, but there's a catch," he said, scratching his head. "As your mom said, I will oversee the merger of our company with another larger conglomerate."
"So? You're good pops! That's easy for you! Come on and grab that!" I said, giving him a thumbs up.
My dad's face turned red, and he looked uncomfortable. "Yeah, but...how do I say this? We would have to relocate, at least temporarily, as mergers take months, if not years," he said, hesitatingly.
This was the first time I had seen my dad act like this, and it made me feel uneasy.
"Where would we relocate to?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities. Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya, Sapporo? Please don't be Sapporo. That place is cold AF.
"Abroad," my dad simply replied.
"Huh?" I was taken aback.
My mind raced with possibilities of where we might end up. Maybe somewhere in Japan, or perhaps another country in Southeast Asia. But I was not prepared for his next words.
"London, UK," my dad said with a smile.
I was shocked beyond belief. The thought of moving to Europe was never on my radar. I could barely process the idea of living in a foreign country, let alone one so far away from home.
"WHAT?! The UK? As in Europe?" I blurted out, still struggling to comprehend the news.
"I know it's sudden, but it's a great opportunity for our family," my dad explained, sensing my shock.
As we pulled up to the restaurant, our conversation continued from the car.
"What are the living arrangements going to be like over there?" Curious, I asked my dad.
"The company has got it covered," he replied, taking out his phone and opening a picture to show me. "They'll provide us with everything - from accommodations and transportation to meals - and on top of that, I'll be receiving a salary."
I eagerly took the phone from him and began scrolling through the pictures. The house looked like a typical two-story suburban home in London, complete with brick accents. It boasted two spacious bedrooms and a smaller one, along with four bathrooms, a standard kitchen, a dining area, a living room, and even a European-style backyard.
To be honest, the house was quite a bit larger than our current one, but I couldn't complain.
But despite the promising living arrangements, I couldn't help but feel skeptical about moving to a colder climate and a completely foreign culture.
"I'm not sure about this dad," I expressed my doubts to my dad. "What am I going to do there?"
"Don't worry Subs! You'll adapt and find ways to keep yourself busy. Plus, there will be plenty of new experiences and things to explore." My dad reassured me.
Still, I couldn't shake off my unease about the move. It was a big change, and I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by it all.
Shaking my head, I expressed my uncertainty to my dad, "I'm not sure about this."
"Aw, come on, Subaru, it'll be a blast!" my mom chimed in, giving me a reassuring pat on the back.
"Who knows? You might even meet someone special over there." She gave me a wink and I couldn't help but blush.
I groaned in embarrassment, "Mom, stop teasing me!"
Despite my initial reservations, we all found ourselves laughing and joking about the possibility of me finding a girlfriend abroad. As we waited for our food, I reflected on my situation and realized that I had nothing to lose by going. It would be an opportunity to explore a new place and have some fun.
Finally, I made up my mind and announced to my parents,
"Alright, I'll come." I declared to them.
"That's the Spirit Subaru!" my dad exclaimed with a proud smile.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness at the thought of this new adventure.
Despite having decided to go, the question of what I would do once I got there still weighed heavily on my mind. However, as luck would have it, our food arrived, and we ate until we were completely satiated, forgetting all about such concerns in the process.
1-month pass.
As we made our way out of Heathrow Airport, I couldn't help but shiver from the chilly breeze that whipped past us.
"Oh man, it's cold! Why didn't I bring a leather jacket again?" I muttered to myself, clutching my body in a futile attempt to keep warm.
The streets Near the Airport were alive with activity, and I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the sights and sounds that surrounded us. Travelers by the thousands walk past us both for departure and arrival. My parents, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, soaking in the hustle and bustle of the city.
"Well, here we are! Are you excited, Subs?" my dad asked, a grin spreading across his face as he took in the sights.
I couldn't help but feel a little nervous as I responded. "I don't know, Dad. This is all new to me. I mean, I've never been outside the country before," I said, scratching my head in apprehension. "Plus, it's freakin cold," I added, hugging myself tightly.
My dad seemed unfazed by my anxiety, though. "I know how you feel, son, but trust me, you'll love it here," he said, his voice full of confidence. "And besides, when I was your age, I had already been to seven countries!" he added, his chest puffing up with pride.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at my dad's boastful attitude.
"Yeah, we get it, Dad. You've traveled a lot," I said, facepalming in exasperation. "Wait a minute, this isn't your first time in the UK?" I asked, surprised that my dad had been to this part of the world before.
"You got that right, Subs! The company sent me here before when I was just a product manager. It was cool, actually," my dad replied, a nostalgic smile spreading across his face.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at my dad's impressive travel history. He was such a Chad, but I was determined to beat him one day.
"Well, just you wait, Dad. I'll travel to even more countries than you," I declared, a competitive fire igniting within me.
"Sure, sure, I know you will kiddo. But let's find our ride first, shall we? We don't want to keep the company driver waiting," my dad said, and my mom and I agreed.
We walked towards the front of the airport, scanning the area for our assigned driver. After a short while, we spotted a black SUV with our name on it, and we headed over.
"Excuse me, are you the driver provided by the VASE?" my dad asked.
"That's me, mate. You guys with the Kira Corporation?" the driver, a well-dressed Welshman, responded.
"Yes, that's us," my dad confirmed.
"Alright then, hop on in," the driver said.
The driver loaded our luggage into the trunk, and we settled into the backseat of the SUV. As we drove out of the airport area and unto the busy streets of London, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the new sights and sounds around me. Everything was so foreign and weird.
After a few moments of silence, my mom turned to me and asked,
"How are you feeling Subaru? Are you excited?"
I smiled nervously. "Yeah, Mom. I'm excited, but also a bit nervous. Everything is so different here."
"Don't worry, kiddo. You'll get used to it in no time," my dad reassured me with a pat on the shoulder.
As we drove through the bustling city, I couldn't help but stare out the window in awe. The buildings were tall and grand, the people were diverse and colorful, and the streets were filled with an energy that was contagious.
It took an hour and a half Before we arrived at our new home in Barnet a suburban district North of London.
As the SUV pulled up in front of our new home in Barnet, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. This was it. I was eager to explore everything this vibrant city had to offer.
As we gathered our bags and luggage, our driver spoke up, "We're here. Kenichi, I'll be picking you up at 7 am tomorrow for your preliminary meeting with the heads and board of the VASE Group. I already picked up most of your team at the airport yesterday, so they should be there too."
My dad nodded, grateful for the reminder. "That's great, thanks for the heads up. By the way, where can I find my team? Are they close by?"
"Don't worry, mate," the driver replied, handing my dad a piece of paper with the address of his team's lodging. "They're housed in a flat in Enfield. You can easily get there by cab, bus, or train. It should only take you around half an hour."
"Alright, got it thanks a lot," my dad said, still unsure of the driver's name. "By the way, what's your name?"
The driver grinned and offered his hand. "Watson, mate. Just call me Watson."
"Got it. Thanks, Watson," my dad said, nodding.
"Hey, kid!" Watson suddenly called out, turning to me. "Why don't you explore the town a bit? It's relatively safe here, and you might even meet a nice Lass." He winked at me, causing me to blush.
"But isn't London kind of dangerous, especially at night?" I asked, suddenly worried.
"Nah, mate," Watson replied, waving off my concerns. "This area is safe, don't sweat it. Alright, wish you all the best of luck!"
And with that, he got back into his car and drove off, leaving us standing outside our new home.
As we settled into our new surroundings, I couldn't help but feel excited. Oh, and the house is also better than I had anticipated.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go," my dad said, motioning for us to enter the house. We eagerly nodded, and with most of the baggage and bags in my hand, as my mom and dad didn't want to carry them anymore, we made our way toward the door.
My dad used a key that was issued to him by the company, and with a satisfying click, we pushed the door open. As I stepped inside, my eyes widened in awe. The place was even better than I expected. It was modernly designed, with sleek lines and stylish furniture that made it feel like we were living in a magazine the house is also fully furnished.
"Wow, this place is amazing," I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the halls.
My mom and dad shared a smile, clearly pleased with my reaction.
"I told you you'd like it, Subaru." my mom said, patting me on the back. My dad nodded in agreement.
"The company really outdid themselves with this one," he said, clearly impressed with the house as well.
I couldn't help but nod in agreement. This place was going to be our new home, and I couldn't wait to start making memories here.
"The rooms are upstairs, Subaru," my dad said, gesturing towards the staircase that led to the upper level of the house.
We made our way up the stairs, our footsteps echoing through the quiet house. As we reached the top of the landing, my dad pointed out the different rooms. "This one's going to be your room, Subs," he said, pointing towards a door that was slightly ajar.
I pushed it open, and my eyes widened in amazement. The room was spacious and bright, with a large window that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. The walls were painted a soft shade of blue, and the bed was made up of crisp white sheets.
"We'll check ours, Subs," my mom said before leaving, "settle in your things for a while, ok?" I nodded, "Alright Mom, just call me when you need me."
As soon as they were out of sight, I got to work. First, I unpacked my gaming laptop and set it up at a nearby desk. I wanted to make sure I had all my tech gear in order before anything else.
Next, I put away my clothes in the cabinet, organizing them by type and color. Finally, I carefully arranged my beloved action figures and waifu anime figures on a shelf, admiring them with pride.
As we moved into our new abode, and with the sun setting my parents decided that we should try out some of the local delicacies at a nearby pub for dinner, which was about a short three-mile distance from our place. I was thrilled to embark on this gastronomical adventure, and my parents seemed just as excited to have a break from their daily cooking routine.
Once we arrived at the pub, we took our seats, and my parents and I placed our orders for some traditional fish and chips, along with some crisp, refreshing beer. As we savored every bite, we discussed our initial days in the city and how we were adapting to our new surroundings.
After a few moments of blissful silence, my dad turned to me and asked,
"So, what do you plan on doing tomorrow, Subs?"
I paused for a moment, pondering my answer, and then replied, "Hmm, I'm not entirely sure, Dad. What do you suggest?"
"Well," my dad said, "I plan on taking your mom to visit the VASE Groups' headquarters, as she's keen on seeing where I work. Perhaps you could explore the city on your own tomorrow?"
"Sounds like a plan," I said, nodding my head in agreement.
My mom chimed in, "And maybe on the weekends, when your dad is off work, we could visit some of the local museums and galleries. We've heard they have some fantastic exhibits."
"That sounds awesome," I said, taking another sip of my beer.
Suddenly, my dad turned to my mom and said, "The owner of VASE Tech has a lovely wife; I'm sure the two of you will hit it off."
"That's great, Mom," I said, beaming at the thought of my parents making new friends.
"But are you sure it's okay to leave Subaru on his own?" my mom inquired, taking a bite of her fish.
"Aw, Mom! I'm almost 23," I protested, feeling a little embarrassed.
My dad chuckled and said, "Don't worry, dear. Subaru is already an adult, and he can handle himself. Just make sure to stick to the main areas and don't stay out after dark."
"Thanks, Dad," I said, relieved that I wouldn't be treated like a child anymore.
As we finished up our meal, we discussed our plans for the next day and made sure we were all on the same page. It was nice to have a little independence and explore the city on my own, not only would I have the chance to explore the city at my own pace, but the thought of meeting new people and possibly even finding a romantic interest filled me with Excitement.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my alarm buzzing on my bedside table. I lazily reached out to turn it off, but then remembered that today was the day of my Roam and jumped out of bed with excitement. It was already 9 am, and I realized that my parents had already left for work. I quickly made my way downstairs, feeling the rumbling in my stomach and the need for a quick breakfast to fuel my adventure.
I poured myself a bowl of cereal and grabbed a glass of orange juice, then made my way upstairs to take a refreshing shower. The hot water felt amazing against my skin in the chilly weather, and I couldn't help but hum a tune as I scrubbed away.
After my shower, I threw on my trusty tracksuit, making sure to grab the wallet and cash my parents had given me the night before. I made sure to lock all the windows and doors for security purposes before heading outside. As I walked down the street, I couldn't help but notice the diverse group of people in my town.
"Wow, there are a lot of Asian people here," I mused to myself. I wondered if they were Japanese, but then I heard them talking in Mandarin and realized they were Chinese.
As I walked towards the High Barnet station, I tried to decide where to start my Roam. I knew I had a long day ahead of me, so I needed to choose my first destination wisely.
"Hmmm, where should I go first?" I asked myself out loud. Finally, I made it to the station and quickly purchased my ticket. I boarded the tube, excited to start my journey toward my destination: Euston station.
As the train chugged along, I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through my list of possible places to visit.
"Let's see, what looks interesting?" I muttered to myself. I scrolled past museums, parks, and historic landmarks, trying to find the perfect place to kick off my adventure.
The train jolted to a stop at Euston station, and I eagerly made my way towards the exit.
The station was bustling with activity, and I had to weave my way through the throngs of people rushing to catch their trains or heading to work. It was a melting pot of different races and cultures, with people from all over the world bustling about. The aroma of fast food and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, as people hurriedly grabbed a quick bite before their next journey.
As I stepped out of the station, I was engulfed in the vibrant energy of central London. The towering skyscrapers, historical buildings, and iconic landmarks surrounding me made me feel small in comparison. But I didn't mind it at all, as already I had a place in mind.
"The British Library," I said with excitement in my voice, eager to explore the vast collection of books and manuscripts it held. With that, I set off on my journey, Making my way through the lively streets of central London towards my destination.
As I entered the grand entrance of the British Library, I was in awe of the magnificent surroundings. The entrance hall had high ceilings and a sweeping staircase leading up to the upper levels. The walls were decorated with intricate patterns and artwork, and the soft lighting created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Following the signs to the reading rooms, I was greeted by rows of desks and bookshelves. The air was thick with the scent of old books, and the only sound was the soft rustle of pages turning.
Approaching the librarian's desk, I was welcomed by a woman with a friendly smile. Nervously clearing my throat, I asked, "Excuse me, ma'am, do you happen to know where I might be able to find any books or manuscripts related to the legend of Queen Artorias?"
The librarian tilted her head, slightly confused. "I'm sorry, did you say 'Queen Artorias'? Don't you mean King Arthur?" she asked in a friendly but slightly quizzical tone.
Feeling embarrassed, I realized my mistake. "Oh, yes, I'm so sorry. I meant King Arthur. My apologies," I replied, chuckling nervously, realizing my mistake of getting mixed up with Fate anime characters.
The librarian smiled reassuringly. "No need to apologize, it happens to the best of us. Let me see if I can find anything for you."
She quickly went to the drawers behind her and began searching through the index cards. After a moment or two, she emerged with a small slip of paper in her hand.
"Here you go," she said, handing me the index card. "This should lead you to the section with books on King Arthur and his legend. Is there anything else you need help with?"
"No, that's all for now. Thank you very much," I replied, giving her a small bow before heading off to find the books.
I quickly located the section dedicated to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere in the library and gathered a stack of books about their tales. With my arms loaded with literature, I found a nearby table and sat down, eager to explore the world of Camelot.
As I was about to start reading, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.
A girl sat at the table across from me, engrossed in her phone. Her long blonde hair shimmered like the sun and flowed down her back, held in place by a single barrette. Her blood-red eyes glimmered with willpower and passion, and her porcelain skin was as pure as snow. Her faintly pink lips were exquisite, to say the least. She was a woman of true divine beauty that even the gods would envy.
I couldn't help but stare at her in awe like a puppy eyeing a treat or a child craving candy. She wore business attire that accentuated her curves and complemented her beauty.
And then it happened.
Just before I could break my gaze, she looked up and met my eyes. Suddenly, the world slowed down, and I was left spellbound by her mere presence.
My body began to shake uncontrollably as if an electric current was coursing through me. My stomach twisted into knots, causing a fluttering sensation that felt like a swarm of butterflies. Even though the weather was cold, my palms and face were suddenly slick with sweat.
I couldn't understand what was happening to me. I had never felt such a strong physical reaction to someone before. It was as if this girl had cast a spell on me. I tried to focus on my breathing to calm myself down, but it was no use. The moment her gaze met mine, I was a goner.
I was already reeling from the intense physical reaction that the mere presence of the beautiful girl had caused. But what happened next left me utterly stunned.
Without warning, she gave me a seductive wink and bit her lip in a tantalizing manner. My mind was blown away by the unexpected move. What the hell was happening? Was she flirting with me?
I sat there in my seat, rooted to the spot, for who knows how long. I was so lost in thought that I didn't even notice when the gorgeous blonde got up and left the library.
Without thinking, I blurted out, "What the hell? I didn't even get her number!" before running towards the exit of the library.
I was in such a rush that I barely noticed the stares from other patrons as I ran past them. My only goal was to find the girl with the radiant red-blonde hair, the one who had left such a powerful impression on me.
As I burst out of the library, I scanned the surroundings frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. But to my dismay, there was no trace of her.
I even searched nearby establishments, hoping she had just gone for a coffee or a quick bite to eat, but she was nowhere to be found. It was as if she had disappeared into thin air.
Frustration and regret washed over me as I realized I had missed the chance to get to know the beautiful girl.
"I'm such a loser," I said to myself while sitting against the wall of the library. My mood to read or explore had vanished, and all I wanted was to go home and mope like a teenager.
With a heavy heart, I left the library and began to make my way towards Easton station. I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and regret for not getting the girl's name or number. It was as if fate had played a cruel joke on me. Making me feel this way but not letting me know who she was.
As I walked towards the station, I couldn't bring myself to look back at the magnificent library I had just left. I felt like I had lost something precious, something that I might never find again.
I entered the station and bought a ticket, not caring where it would take me. I just wanted to be alone and wallow in my self-pity. The train arrived, and I boarded it without a second thought. The familiar sound of the train's wheels rolling on the tracks was soothing, but it wasn't enough to ease the pain I was feeling.
I sat there, lost in my thoughts, not even bothering to look at the other passengers. I didn't care where they were going or what they were doing. All I wanted was to be left alone with my misery. As the train made its way through the tunnels, I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"Attention please, we have now arrived at Canary Wharf Station. Doors will open on the right-hand side. Please mind the gap between the train and the platform edge. Thank you for traveling with the London Underground." the train announced through its speakers, signaling the arrival at Canary Wharf station.
"Whoa, where the hell am I?" I spoke to myself as I found myself in a weird situation.
With me moping and lost in thought earlier, I didn't realize I was in the wrong tube! I wasn't on the way home but entirely different.
"Wow, nice job Subaru! You did it this time." I said to myself, facepalming in frustration.
I looked around the tube and noticed unfamiliar surroundings. I couldn't believe I made such a silly mistake. I took out my phone and checked my location. I couldn't help but facepalm again as I saw that I had arrived at Canary Wharf Station, which was near my dad's workplace.
"Wtf? Where's this?" I muttered under my breath, still annoyed with myself. "Oh well, might as well sightsee! And probably I'll try to go to Dad's workplace." I said to myself once more, deciding that I'd use this chance to explore more of London.
I then immediately exited the tube and into the station underground. The station was less congested than the central but still had a lot of people. I made my way to one of the escalators and began my descent toward the exit of the station. As I made my way up, I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the unknown outside.
Finally, I reached the surface and found myself in the Canary Wharf district.
As I looked up at the towering skyscrapers and modern architecture of Canary Wharf, it reminded me of Shibuya back home, albeit with a unique twist of architectural design.
"Okay, where should I go?" I pondered, pulling out my phone to check the time. "Wait, it's still only 2:57 pm! Dad and Mom said they'll leave VASE's Corporation Headquarters after five, and they're probably very busy," I muttered, scratching my head as I contemplated my options.
"Oh well, I'll just do a little window shopping at the Shopping Centre to waste time. It ain't that far from here and Dad's workplace after all," I said 11to myself with a chuckle, scrolling through the map on my phone to decide my course of action.
I suddenly heard a low growling sound emanating from my belly. "Oh, Man! I completely forgot that I haven't had any lunch yet," I exclaimed to myself.
Shrugging it off, I decided to head towards the shopping center, figuring that I might as well grab a bite to eat before exploring the area any further.
"Wow, this place is cool!" I exclaimed as I walked into Lacosta Coffee. The delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods made my stomach grumble with hunger. The coffee shop was only a five-minute walk away, but I got lost along the way. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but admire the cafe's unique design, with its dark green color theme and eye-catching decor.
As soon as I entered, I headed straight for the counter to order my food.
"Hello there, how may I assist you?" the friendly lady behind the counter greeted me with a smile.
"I'd like a Belgian cooler and uh two tuna melts, please, with extra cheese and mayo," I ordered.
"Anything else?" she asked.
"No, that's it," I replied, feeling my hunger grow.
"Okay, that will be 16.84 pounds," she said.
I handed over a 20-pound note and waited as she counted my change. Once I received it, I took the receipt and found a seat to wait for my order.
As I sat there, I took in the atmosphere around me, feeling much better after the earlier disappointment. Perhaps this day would end on a positive note. After all, there are plenty of other fish in the sea, right? It's not a big deal if I missed a chance with that girl. I can always find someone else.
But deep down, I really wanted to get to know her. I couldn't dwell on what could have been, though. I scanned the area around me, admiring the various patrons and the cafe's design.
Suddenly, I exclaimed, "Huh?! What the heck?!"
My heart raced as I saw the same blonde girl with red eyes from the library sitting just a few tables away. Instead of a phone, she held a book in her hands, sitting with her legs crossed. She was so beautiful, and just seeing her made my nerves and sweat return. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered once more.
This was it, Subaru. Destiny had given me another chance to make my move. I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away. But I couldn't help feeling nervous. What do I even say to her? Do I just walk up and introduce myself?
Maybe compliment her book choice? Or should I just play it cool and wait for her to notice me? Maybe my usual introduction, "Hi there! I'm Subaru Natsuki, and not only am I clueless, but I'm also broke beyond compare! Nice to meet ya!" but no, that would be cringy. I'm done with my shonen days... or am I?
As I debated my next move, the barista suddenly called out, "Mr. Subaru, your order is ready," with a smile.
I quickly gathered my food and drink, took a deep breath, and decided to take the plunge. Summoning all the confidence I could muster; I walked over to the corner where the girl was sitting and nervously cleared my throat.
Summoning all the confidence I could muster, I took a deep breath and approached the girl sitting at the cafe table, her eyes deeply engrossed in a book.
"Excuse me," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "We met earlier at the library. I'm Subaru, Natsuki Subaru." I extended my hand for a shake, flashing my best smile. I hoped to convey a sense of confidence and charm, all while praying that I didn't come across as creepy.
For a moment, she looked up at me with a flicker of recognition, but the expression on her face quickly shifted to one of condescension and sarcasm.
"Amusing," she replied curtly, fully activating bitch mode.
Her tone took me aback, and I wondered what I had done to warrant such a response.
"Huh?" I stammered, trying to gather my thoughts.
"Are you stalking me, creep?" she spat out, her annoyance palpable.
Embarrassment and frustration flushed through me. "No, of course not!" I protested, hoping to convince her I was not some sort of creep.
"Will you simply stand there and waste my time?" she snapped impatiently, her irritation rising.
I opened my mouth to reply, but her next words cut me off before I could say anything.
"Don't make such an irritating face. You're ruining my day, commoner," she said dismissively, disdain clear in her voice.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Who did she think she was? "Hey, I'm..." I tried to speak up, but she cut me off again.
"Answer my question! Are you stalking me you clown!?" she demanded, her voice oozing with authority and regality.
"No, I swear I'm not!" I said, my confusion and frustration mounting with each passing second. "I just got here because I'm hungry after roaming around Central London, I swear!"
"Do you take me for a fool, peasant?" she scoffed, her insult piercing me to the core. I felt helpless, not knowing what to say or do.
"Are you just going to stand there? Say something to entertain me, peasant creep. Your lies and pathetic excuse are just..." she trailed off, not bothering to finish her sentence.
I couldn't take it anymore. She might have been drop-dead gorgeous, but her attitude was absolutely repulsive.
"Heh! Now I know," I said, a hint of sarcasm creeping into my voice.
"What do you know, peasant?" she retorted, her face contorted with anger and frustration.
"That looks can be deceiving," I said, my voice steady and firm.
"What?!" she exclaimed, clearly caught off guard by my words.
"You! You might be beautiful on the outside, but you are rotten on the inside!" I said, my frustration and anger boiling over.
"How dare you!" she began to say, but I cut her off before she could say another word.
"Yeah, how dare I?!" I bellowed, feeling a sense of liberation with each passing moment. "When I saw you at the library, to be honest, I was imagining us together! A future, maybe even a family of our own! But I was wrong! Very wrong! I'm terribly sorry for wasting your precious time! I won't waste it anymore!" I said, my voice rising.
I grabbed my food and drink from the table and stormed out of the cafe, not caring who was watching.
"I can't believe I was infatuated with that pompous, entitled brat. Ha! She got what she deserved!" I muttered to myself, riding the escalator up to the mall's exit.
"Although, looking back at what I said about our future... Man, that's cringey. But who cares? I'll never see that bitch again, so might as well get it off my chest," I remarked, exiting the mall and heading toward the train station to make my way home.
"Hey, Subaru, how was your day of adventure?" my dad asked as he chomped on some fries with a clear sign of stress eating.
"It was okay, I guess," I replied in a monotone voice.
We were all gathered at the dinner table in our new home, catching up on each other's day. My parents had been busy all day, so I had gotten home earlier than them, and we had all just sat down for dinner.
"Subaru, I can tell from your face that something is troubling you," my mom, Naoko, said with a worried expression.
As expected, my parents noticed my mood, and I knew I couldn't hide it from them.
"I met a girl today... She's stunning," I said hesitantly.
"Oh, already? Do you have a crush on her?" my mom asked with a smile.
"No, Mom, She's a BRAT! Rude, arrogant, and hurtful. I can't believe I had a crush on her," I replied, my voice filled with frustration and disappointment.
"Aww, my little boy has fallen in love at first sight! How sweet!" my dad laughed, trying to make light of the situation. "You know when I first saw your mom, I knew I was in love with her."
"It ain't it Dad, I can't fall in love with someone like her She's Evil! All I feel is hatred," I explained, hoping they would understand.
"Come on, Subaru, don't be so quick to judge. Maybe she was just having a bad day," my mom said, trying to find a more positive angle.
"But, son, you just met her. How can you hate her already?" my dad chimed in.
I sighed, knowing my parents wouldn't understand my frustration.
"Anyways, London is a big city. I doubt I'll ever see her again," I said, trying to change the subject.
"You never know, son. Life can be full of surprises," my dad said with a grin.
We then ate in silence for a few minutes before my dad brought up a topic that would add to my stress.
"The merger is going to be a nightmare, Subaru," he said, shaking his head.
"What do you mean?" I asked, not wanting to know the answer.
"The chairwoman of the VASE is impossible to deal with. She was late for our meeting this morning, and when she came back in the afternoon, her mood was terrible. It's going to be a tough negotiation," my dad explained, clearly stressed out.
"That's not good. Will the merger still happen?" I asked, concerned.
"Of course, but the process will be lengthy and complicated," he replied as he shoveled more food into his mouth.
"But thankfully, your mom hit it off with the chairman's mother. Right, dear?" my dad said as he looked at my mom adoringly.
"Absolutely! Sandra-san is so wonderful. We have so much in common, like cooking, painting, and arts. She even promised to speak to her daughter and ask her to be more flexible with the merger process," my mom gushed.
"See, Subaru? Your mom is the rock of this family. She's always finding solutions," my dad said, kissing my mom passionately in front of me.
I cringed at the public display of affection, feeling like a third wheel. If only I had a girlfriend, I thought to myself, but I knew it was pointless to even consider it.
"Well, such is life. Maybe destiny has a different plan for me," I muttered under my breath, accepting my single fate.
"Oh, by the way, Subaru," my dad interrupted, his voice suddenly serious. "I already talked to the HR of Kira back in Japan, and they said they'd love to hire you as part of our team here in London. They even promised to give you a nice starting salary, all in pounds."
I was surprised by his sudden announcement, but also excited at the prospect of a job offer. It would be a great opportunity to start a new chapter in my life.
Well, to be fair, I don't want to regress into a hikikomori lifestyle anymore! And I don't want to mope about a certain... someone... so what the hell! I guess this is my first job after all.
"Alright sign me in!" I said with newfound determination.
"That's the spirit, Subaru! You will start tomorrow morning!" my dad replied with a proud smile.
"WHAT?!"
*The Next Day*
I sat in the conference hall at VASE Group's headquarters in London's Wharf district, I felt completely drained and sleepy.
VASE Technology Holdings, a multinational semiconductor and chip manufacturer, operated in 51 countries and supplied 71% of the world's semiconductor and integrated chipsets. The future merger with the Kira Group promised unimaginable wealth for all parties involved.
However, I couldn't care less about all of that. My dad had ordered me to work immediately, leaving me with little time to adjust my sleep pattern and prepare for the meeting. To make matters worse, the suit I was wearing was too tight, causing some of my muscles and fat to bulge out.
"Hey, son, do you know what you're going to do?" my dad asked as we waited for our counterparts in the conference room.
"Yes, Dad! I reviewed all your pointers and presentations last night. I got this," I replied, stifling a yawn.
"Okay but fix yourself up. The chairwoman of VASE is meticulous," my dad warned.
"Copy that, sir," I replied nonchalantly.
The doors to the conference room suddenly opened, and the executives of VASE Group entered. All of them were Caucasian or of black African descent, but they all meant business.
"Good morning, Mr. O'Connell!" my dad Kenichi greeted the head of the group, a blonde white guy, with a small bow. "I assume Miss Priscilla is in a better mood today?" he added.
"Meh, we'll see. She's very volatile," O'Connell replied as he sat on the other side of the conference room. "I believe this is your son Kenichi?" he then pointed at me.
"Yes, this is my star, Subaru! Natsuki Subaru," my dad proudly introduced me to O'Connell and his group. "He will be doing the presentation today," he said as he patted me on the back.
"Hey, kid, make sure to answer the chairwoman's queries so everything will be smooth," O'Connell said, scratching his head nervously.
I didn't understand why everyone was so nervous about the chairwoman, but I figured I would charm her like I do with everyone else.
Suddenly, the conference room door opened again, and everyone, except me, stood up at the arrival of someone. This had to be the infamous chairwoman right? I put on my most charming smile and assumed a confident stance. "It's showtime!" I thought as I closed my eyes and stood up.
"Flop, I want a report on our profits in North America," the voice said. Wait a minute, that voice...
"Copy that, ma'am!" O'Connell replied.
What the... it couldn't be...
Then, the chairwoman of VASE Group walked in front of the conference table, and I saw her clearly. And guess what? She saw me, too!
"YOU?" I spoke in shock.
"YOU?!" she spoke, shocked and angry. Even when she's upset, she's still gorgeous.
We stood there, not uttering a single word, while the people inside the conference room remained deathly quiet.
"Huh? You know each other, Subaru?" my dad, Kenichi, asked, oblivious to the tension in the air.
(TO BE CONTINUED)